Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Nov 13, 2023 15:17:52 GMT -6
The Chicago Astronomer Proudly receives the
2023 "Donald C. Jardine" Award
from the Sangamon Astronomical Society
November 2023
2023 "Donald C. Jardine" Award
from the Sangamon Astronomical Society
November 2023
I am truly honored to have been awarded this fantastic recognition on my urban astronomical endeavors, connecting thousands of sky lovers with the cosmos over the years all around Chicago and beyond. The fine fellow Astronomers at the Sangamon Astronomical Society of Springfield Illinois notified me late this summer that I have won the award, but my schedule prevented me from accepting this in person at their Dark Sky Star Party event, so I had to wait until a free weekend to take the jaunt down state.
Over the Veterans Day weekend, we met in Pontiac Illinois, with their officers coming up to meet us 2/3rds of the way. Maria and I were treated to a fine dinner and a bag of goodies, as we shared stories & pics about our astro activities and having a wonderful time getting to know each others. Matthew, John and Bruce, officers in the organization showed me the pics of the the presentation in absencia at their gathering earlier with their membership, reading my qualifications and involvement in educating and promoting astronomy...
Their selection committee was impressed at the positions I secured in astronomy education in competitive Chicago. We discussed how I formed the Chicago Astronomer in 2004 after I retired from the Chicago Police Department and the Residencies at the Chicago Park District, 606 Trail, After School Matters, my past experience with the Adler Planetarium and other institutions.
This is very cool and a great encouragement to continue sharing my love the Astronomy and space with all sky lovers who yearn to touch the stars....and that I play a small part in their experience.
I plan to return in the Spring of 2024 and share an observation session with fellow enthusiastic and skilled Astronomers downstate in darker skies. I highly value this recognition and will share this with my ASM Astronomy students, as they are always happy to share in my achievements and successes. After I show it around, this goes on my trophy wall.
Thank you Sangamon Astronomical Society....!
Astro Joe
