Editorial: At the Crossroads

Mercury, July/August 2000 Table of Contents

©2000 Astronomical Society of the Pacific

"Step back and reflect on your seven and a half years leading ASP." That was the challenge that Jay gave me when he requested I write this "guest editorial." I'm happy to give Jay a brief breather as he prepares to start his new job as the Society's Executive Director in mid-July.

ASP is an amazing, energized organization, but many Mercury readers may not be aware of the extent of our reach or of the wealth of activities we pursue. The Executive Director's task might be best compared to that of a circus juggler or a sports team coach - try not to drop any balls while you encourage a dedicated staff to creative excellence and personal accomplishment.

When I first came to ASP in early 1993, the Society had many well-developed programs to promote astronomy and help educators. It was quite clear, however, that, like most non-profit organizations, our programs could never be fully supported by only membership dues or the sale of coffee mugs and bumper stickers. Our goal has always been to raise awareness of astronomy and science education throughout the populace while at the same time creatively assuring that ASP operates in a sound financial manner.

In the past few years the Society has found strength and important support through new projects and initiatives. ASP expertise is now beginning to shape the education and public outreach program of NASA's massive flying infrared observatory, SOFIA. Project ASTRO has matured into a very successful teacher-astronomer partnership program that operates in eleven national sites completely free of NSF support. Many educators rely on the offerings in the ASP Catalog, while its slick visual appeal to nearly 150,000 laypersons semi-annually is one of the Society's most effective outreach tools. RealSky CD brought a truly research-quality tool to thousands of amateurs, many of whom are partnering with observing professionals. These highly visible activities, along with our teachers' workshops and quarterly newsletter, The Universe in the Classroom, have led to partnerships between the ASP and other groups seeking support for astronomy outreach.

The Society's footprint among professionals has exploded with publication of the acclaimed Conference Proceedings Series, to the point where its quality and low prices convinced the International Astronomical Union to publish with us. The Publications of the ASP has regularly introduced new features (dissertation summaries, millennial essays, etc.) and is on the leading edge of electronic publication. In turn, colleagues have been very generous with their time, making presentations at ASP events and guiding the creation of new educational slide sets. Further, the Society's Board members and Officers are committed to its mission and help shape its future.

At the crossroads of communication and activity, the Executive Director experiences simultaneous joy and frustration. Leading a new Society initiative or answering astronomy questions from the public gets equal billing with repairing the office roof or replacing an aging computer/phone system. Somehow it all gets done. Thank heavens for a staff that works tirelessly to make it all happen and for members and donors who believe in what we're doing.

Exciting times at the ASP? Never a dull moment? A rewarding experience for the Executive Director? You betcha! Take it away, Jay. With you as the Director, I am confident that the ASP has a bright future and that it will undoubtedly continue to expand in new and refreshing ways.

Robert J. Havlen, Ph.D., Executive Director

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