Amateur Astronomers As Public Outreach Partners

Details Amateur Astronomers As Public Outreach Partners Amateur Astronomers As Public Outreach Partners

Aug 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006iauss...2e..17b&link_type=abstract

Innovation in Teaching/Learning Astronomy Methods, 26th meeting of the IAU, Special Session 2, 17-18 August, 2006 in Prague, Cze

Computer Science

Learning

Scientific paper

Amateur astronomers involved in public outreach represent a huge, largely untapped source of energy and enthusiasm to help astronomers reach the general public. Even though many astronomy educators already work with amateur astronomers, the potential educational impact of amateur astronomers as public outreach ambassadors remains largely unrealized. Surveys and other work by the ASP in the US show that more than 20% of astronomy club members routinely participate in public engagement and educational events, such as public star parties, classroom visits, work with youth and community groups, etc. Amateur astronomers who participate in public outreach events are knowledgeable about astronomy and passionate about sharing their hobby with other people. They are very willing to work with astronomers and astronomy educators. They want useful materials, support, and training. In the USA, the ASP operates "The Night Sky Network," (funded by NASA). We have developed specialized materials and training, tested by and used by amateur astronomers. This project works with nearly 200 local astronomy clubs in 50 states to help them conduct more effective public outreach events. It has resulted in nearly 3,600 outreach events (reaching nearly 300,000 people) in just two years. In this presentation we examine key success factors, lessons learned, and suggest how astronomers outside the US can recruit and work with "outreach amateur astronomers" in their own countries.

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