Astronomy accepting entries for 2012 outreach award

Astronomy magazine will present its 2012 Out-of-this-world Award to a club or organization anywhere across the globe that has shown excellence in astronomy outreach activities. The annual $2,500 award focuses on ongoing programs — not one specific event — by a nonprofit educational or civic organization.

The award recognizes a group’s sustained efforts to involve its local community in the science and hobby of astronomy. The prize money is to be used for future astronomy outreach activities. Astronomy’s editors will review each entry and select a winner.

The 2011 award went to The Albuquerque Astronomical Society, which distinguished itself with its prolific outreach, including the School Star Party program dedicated to making astronomy fun and exciting at two different schools every month.

The 2010 award went to California’s Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit, which rose above its competitors with the sheer breadth of its outreach goals, including the “You Can See Too” program dedicated to providing those in wheelchairs access to the stars.

A full list of rules and the entry form for Astronomy’s 2012 Out-of-this-world Award are available at www.Astronomy.com/award.

Astronomy promotes the science and hobby of astronomy through high-quality publications that engage, inform, entertain, and inspire. The magazine also strives to empower local astronomy organizations that help bring celestial wonders to their communities.

Astronomy magazine will present its 2012 Out-of-this-world Award to a club or organization anywhere across the globe that has shown excellence in astronomy outreach activities. The annual $2,500 award focuses on ongoing programs — not one specific event — by a nonprofit educational or civic organization.

The award recognizes a group’s sustained efforts to involve its local community in the science and hobby of astronomy. The prize money is to be used for future astronomy outreach activities. Astronomy’s editors will review each entry and select a winner.

The 2011 award went to The Albuquerque Astronomical Society, which distinguished itself with its prolific outreach, including the School Star Party program dedicated to making astronomy fun and exciting at two different schools every month.

The 2010 award went to California’s Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit, which rose above its competitors with the sheer breadth of its outreach goals, including the “You Can See Too” program dedicated to providing those in wheelchairs access to the stars.

A full list of rules and the entry form for Astronomy’s 2012 Out-of-this-world Award are available at www.Astronomy.com/award.

Astronomy promotes the science and hobby of astronomy through high-quality publications that engage, inform, entertain, and inspire. The magazine also strives to empower local astronomy organizations that help bring celestial wonders to their communities.