Astronomical League

The Astronomical League is an umbrella organization of amateur astronomy societies.[1] Currently their membership consists of over 330[2] organizations across the United States, along with a number of Members-at-Large, Patrons, and Supporting members.[3]

The mission of the Astronomical League is to promote the science of astronomy by (1) fostering astronomical education; (2) providing incentives for astronomical observation and research; and (3) assisting communication among amateur astronomical societies.[4]

The Astronomical League provides a number of observing awards to members locating and describing certain specified astronomical objects or events, and produces a periodical publication, The Reflector.

History

The beginning of the Astronomical League dates back to 1939 when members of eleven amateur astronomical societies met at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Similar meetings followed in Pittsburgh, 1940, Washington D.C., 1941, and Detroit, 1946. At the last meeting, final plans laid the foundation for a permanent organization constituting a nationwide federation of societies. The next convention took place in Philadelphia, July 4, 1947, where the federation came into being with the adoption of bylaws was adopted, the election of officers, and the name "Astronomical League" was selected. Shortly thereafter, the organization was incorporated as a non-profit organization.[5]

In 2003, The Astronomical League achieved the long-sought goal of a permanent, National Office. This provided a central location for communications, file storage, and general operations. At the same time, the Astronomical League hired its first employee, an office manager. The National Office is located at 9201 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114.[6]

Awards

Awards given by the league include the Leslie C. Peltier Award, the Jack Horkheimer Award, and the National Young Astronomer's Award.

Leslie C. Peltier Award

The Leslie C. Peltier Award is an annual award given by the Astronomical League to an amateur astronomer who has contributed observations of lasting significance. It was created in 1980 and was first awarded in 1981.[7]

The award is named in honor of Leslie Peltier, an amateur astronomer from Delphos, Ohio, who was described by Harlow Shapley as "the world's greatest nonprofessional astronomer".[8]

National Young Astronomer's Award

The National Young Astronomer Award is an award given by the Astronomical League to students of high-school age who have excelled in astronomical research.[9]

Past Presidents
  1. Harlow Shapley Interim (June-July 1947)
  2. Edward Halbach 1947-48
  3. Helen Federer 1948-49
  4. Charles H. LeRoy 1949-51
  5. G. R. "Bob" Wright 1951-52
  6. Rolland LaPelle 1952-54
  7. James Karle 1954-55
  8. Grace Scholz 1955-57
  9. Russell C. Maag 1957-58
  10. Chandler Holton 1958-60
  11. Norm Dalke 1960-62
  12. Ralph Dakin 1962-64
  13. Arthur P. Smith, Jr. 1964-66
  14. Gene Tandy 1966-68
  15. William DuVall 1968-70
  16. W. C. Shewmon 1970-72
  17. G. R. "Bob" Wright 1972-74
  18. Robert Fried 1974-75
  19. Rollin P. VanZandt 1975-77
  20. Robert Fried 1977-78
  21. Robert Young 1978-80
  22. Orville Brettman 1980-82
  23. Jerry Sherlin 1982-84
  24. George Ellis 1984-86
  25. Jim Brown 1986-88
  26. Ken Willcox 1988-90
  27. James H. Fox 1990-94
  28. Barry B. Beaman 1994-98
  29. Charles E. Allen, III 1998-02
  30. Robert L Gent 2002-06
  31. Terry Mann 2006-10
  32. Carroll Iorg 2010-14
  33. John J. Goss 2014-2018
  34. William "Bill" Bogardus 2018 (died in office)
  35. Ron Kramer 2018-2020
  36. Carroll Iorg 2020-

See also

References
  1. "Exciting news! Astronomical League and EarthSky join forces | Human World | EarthSky".
  2. Astronomy clubs and societies affiliated with the Astronomical League
  3. "Astronomical League". Archived from the original on 2021-11-09. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
  4. By Laws of the Astronomical League
  5. Astronotes Note 4: Astronomical League History and Organizationl
  6. Astronotes Note 4: Astronomical League History and Organizationl
  7. "Peltier Award". Astronomical League. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  8. Ferris, Timothy (2002). Seeing In The Dark. Simon & Schuster. p. 158. ISBN 0-684-86579-3.
  9. "National Young Astronomer Award | The Astronomical League". www.astroleague.org. Retrieved 2016-10-23.
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