ASP Board Member Scott Roberts Featured in Sky & Telescope

March 2008 - The newest member of the ASP Board of Directors, Scott Roberts, is featured in the April, 2008 Sky & Telescope magazine in an article titled, "A Friend Indeed" written by former ASP Board member David Levy. The article highlights Roberts' passion for brining astronomy to the public.

ASP President Jim Kaler Receives AAS 2008 Education Award

February 2008 - Jim Kaler, ASP President and a professor emeritus of astronomy at the University of Illinois, was recently awarded the American Astronomical Society 2008 Education Prize that recognizes his outstanding contributions to astronomy education. Read the full press release written by Jim Kloeppel of the University of Illinois News Bureau.

Former ASP Executive Director Receives National Physics Prize

January 2008 - Andrew Fraknoi, astronomy and physics instructor at Foothill College, received the prestigious American Institute of Physics Andrew Gemant Award during the American Astronomical Society meeting held in Austin, Texas. Full press release.

UN Declares 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy

December 20, 2007 - The Astronomical Society of the Pacific comments on the United Nations 62nd General Assembly declaration of 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. Jim Manning, executive director of the ASP, said, "The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is extremely pleased by the United Nations endorsement of the International Year of Astronomy. The sky belongs to everyone, and this global expression of support will provide a critical impetus to our international efforts and those of other organizations to use the appeal of astronomy to improve science literacy in general, and to promote greater appreciation and understanding of our place in the cosmos." Full press release.

Scott W. Roberts Appointed to the Astronomical Society of the Pacific’s Board of Directors

December, 2007 - The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott W. Roberts to a vacant position on the Board of Directors. Roberts is the Vice President for Global Client Support and Community Relations at Meade Instruments Corporation and also serves as the Executive Director of the Meade 4M Community, an alliance of astronomy and space exploration organizations and enthusiasts, with members spanning the globe. Roberts has an extensive background in astronomy public outreach. Full press release.

Former ASP Executive Director Andrew Fraknoi Named 2007 California Professor of the Year

November, 2007 - Foothill College Astronomy Instructor Andrew Fraknoi, M.A., has been named the 2007 California Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement & Support of Education (CASE). Fraknoi was selected from more than 300 top professors in the United States. Full press release.

New ASP Board Members Just Announced

August, 2007 - ASP is pleased to announce its newest members to the ASP Board of Directors; Edna DeVore, Deputy CEO and the Director of Education and Public Outreach (EPO) at the SETI Institute, Phil Sakimoto an astrophysicist; education, outreach, and diversity specialist; and planetarian with the University of Notre Dame’s Department of Physics and joining them is re-elected board member, Lynne Hillenbrand, an associate professor of astronomy at the California Institute of Technology.

ASP Announces 2007 Award Winners

May 15, 2007 - The Astronomical Society of the Pacific announced today the eight winners of its 2007 awards for excellence in astronomy research and education. The ASP's most prestigious award, the Catherine Wolfe Bruce Gold Medal for lifetime achievement in astronomy has been awarded to Martin Harwit, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy, Cornell University.

Read about Dr. Harwit and the additional seven award winners.

ASP 2007 Award Winners Press Release

March 28, 2007 - ASP announces new Board of Directors officers for 2007. James Kaler of the University of Illinois is ASP President and joining him as Vice President is Tim Slater of the University of Arizona. Full article.

March 21, 2007 - The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) announced today that James Manning has been appointed to the position of Executive Director. Currently serving as Head of the Office of Public Outreach of the Space Telescope Science Institute, Mr. Manning will take up his new duties in San Francisco in early July.

Full Press Release.

Mr. Bennett has worked for the ASP for eleven years and has served as Executive Director for over five years. "My years with this wonderful organization have unquestionably been the most rewarding and fulfilling of my career," said Bennett. "But now, with the ASP stable and growing, I can start slowing down a bit. I will definitely continue serving the ASP by working part-time on a few projects, but I am also really looking forward to moving into semi-retirement."

"The ASP has made great progress under Mike's tenure," said ASP President Dennis Schatz, "especially through his leadership in sharpening the Society's strategic focus on education and professional development for educators. We're sorry to see him step down, but we respect his decision and we look forward to his continued involvement with specific projects and his help during the transition to the next Executive Director."

Schatz announced that a committee has been formed to conduct a national search and recommend a successor to the Board. A full position announcement is located on the ASP web site. Read our full press release for more information.