December 8, 2003
(PLANETQUEST) -- Are you an amateur astronomer engaged in public outreach? If so, NASA wants you.
The U.S. space agency has teamed up with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific to create the "Night Sky Network," a coalition of amateur astronomy clubs who will bring the wonders of the universe to the public. With an initial membership of 29 clubs in 23 states, the network hopes to expand its membership to selected clubs in all 50 states, enlisting many of the estimated 50,000 volunteer enthusiasts nationwide.
Their mission will be to share the science, technology and inspiration of NASA's missions with the general public through star parties, presentations, and special events.
"NASA is very excited to be working closely with the amateur astronomy community," said Michael Greene, head of public engagement for JPL's Navigator Program and PlanetQuest initiatives. "Amateurs want more people to look at the sky and understand astronomy, and so do we. Connecting what we do with our missions to the sense of wonder that comes when you look up at the stars and the planets is one of our long-term objectives."
Clubs that are selected to join the network will receive free Outreach ToolKits from NASA on a variety of astronomy and space-related topics. The first ToolKit, called "PlanetQuest," includes a number of hand-on activities related to the search for extrasolar planets.
Jointly developed by NASA, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and an advisory team of amateur astronomy club members, the program also includes training, special opportunities for working with NASA scientists and educators, access to a dedicated website for communicating with other Night Sky Network participants, and public recognition by NASA for their outreach activities.
"We're very excited to be working on this wonderful outreach program with JPL," said Mike Bennett, executive director of the Astronomy Society of the Pacific. "It aligns so perfectly with our mission -- to increase the understanding and appreciation of astronomy -- and our experience in working with amateurs who like to do outreach activities. Amateur astronomers represent a huge source of public outreach expertise and energy, and the Night Sky Network is a great way to catalyze and amplify that energy."
Amateur astronomy clubs may apply for membership online at the Night Sky Network .
The non-profit Astronomical Society of the Pacific, is one of the nation's leading organizations devoted to astronomy and space science education. JPL's Navigator Program encompasses several of NASA's extrasolar planet-finding missions, including the Keck Interferometer, the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM), the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF), the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI), and the Michelson Science Center.
