Night Sky Network Press Release

For Amateur Astronomers: New Outreach ToolKits and Training
Available from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and NASA

Click here for a pdf version of this press release.

Astronomy clubs interested in enhancing or expanding their public outreach and education activities are invited to apply for membership in the "Night Sky Network," a new program specifically designed for amateur astronomers.

Selected clubs will receive free Outreach ToolKits from NASA on a variety of astronomy and space-related topics. Jointly developed by NASA, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), 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.

The Outreach ToolKits, designed and tested by amateur astronomers, make it easy for any interested amateur, of any experience level, to enrich and expand their role in public star parties, club meeting presentations, school visits, and youth or community group events.

The ASP encourages astronomy clubs from all over the United States, large or small, urban or rural, to apply for this exciting new program. Participating clubs will have the opportunity use unique, engaging materials and demonstrations at all of their events, participate in special content and presentation training, involve more of their members in outreach, and even win national recognition for their public outreach activities.

For more information and an on-line club application form, amateur astronomers can go to http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov and click on "How To Apply". Applications must be received by February 29, 2004 in order to be considered for the first round of memberships. Membership is limited and clubs are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The Night Sky Network is sponsored and supported by JPL's PlanetQuest public engagement program. PlanetQuest is a part of JPL's Navigator Program, which encompasses several of NASA's extra-solar 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.

The non-profit Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), one of the nation's leading organizations devoted to astronomy and space science education, is developing and managing the Night Sky Network in cooperation with JPL. Perhaps best known for creating Project ASTRO and its best-selling resource book, Universe At Your Fingertips, the ASP’s education and outreach programs include its members magazine, Mercury, the web-based Universe in the Classroom teachers newsletter, a website with many astronomy resources and links, and the creation and distribution of a wide range of astronomy education materials. Learn more about the ASP at http://www.astrosociety.org.

For accompanying images, go to http://www.astrosociety.org/nsnpr.html. Photo courtesy of Amy Bradley.

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