| The
program was developed and is operated for NASA by the Astronomical
Society of the Pacific. Initiated by JPL's PlanetQuest Public
Engagement Program, the Night
Sky Network sponsors include:
-
JPL's
PlanetQuest public engagement program
-
The
NASA Education Forum on the Structure and Evolution of the
Universe (SEU)
-
The
Origins Education Forum
-
NASA's
Kepler Discovery Mission
-
NASA
Education Forum on Solar System Exploration
-
NASA
Education and Public Outreach at Sonoma State University:
GLAST, Swift and XMM-Newton missions
-
Suzaku
Mission E/PO Program
The
first set of materials is called Planet Quest centering around
the theme of discovering planets around other stars.
Find out more about what's happening with the Night
Sky Network.
Now
accepting applications for Membership in the Night Sky Network
Amateur
astronomy clubs dedicated to sharing astronomy with the public
are invited to apply for membership in the NASA Night Sky
Network (http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/),
a free program specifically designed for amateur astronomy
clubs that puts great resources right into your hands.
"This
has really filled a need for us. Really, really good way to
revitalize our outreach activities. We’re very excited
about it."
- Door Peninsula Astronomical Society
The
Night
Sky Network has a membership of over 200 astronomy clubs
nationwide. Click here to see a
map of all member clubs.
Clubs
selected for membership will join this national coalition
of amateur astronomy clubs bringing astronomy and the excitement
of NASA missions to their communities. This is an opportunity
for your club to:
-
Enhance
the public outreach you already do
-
Encourage
more of your members to participate in outreach
-
Earn
national recognition for your outreach efforts
"Having
the material created questions and discussions with our visitors.
Kids picked up on the concepts quicker than the parents."
- Neville Public Museum Astronomical Society
Members
of the Night
Sky Network receive free Outreach ToolKits of materials
to convey a variety of astronomy and space-related topics.
The program is supported by NASA and administered by the Astronomical
Society of the Pacific (ASP). The program includes:
-
Training
in the use of Outreach ToolKit materials
-
Opportunities
to talk to real NASA scientists and engineers about the
latest research
-
Access
to a dedicated website for communicating with other Night
Sky Network members
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.
Click
here to see how many astronomy
events these clubs have logged using the free resources
they received.
"One
does not need to be an educator or have extensive knowledge
of astronomy to present the activities in the kit. I enjoyed
taking the materials supplied in the kit and expanding or
enhancing some of the concepts with my own personal experiences."
- River Bend Astronomy Club
Go
to http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/
to get more information and to find out how to apply. Membership
is limited. |
