Last week, I received a very special honor. The Astronomical Association of Northern California gave me their Professional Astronomer award:
For his outstanding effort and continuous support in distinguishing and fostering amateur astronomy.
This was very cool. I did a lot of talks and such while I still lived in northern California, especially at amateur society meetings. Those are among my favorites! Not only am I among people who love the sky as much as I do, they also frequently have star parties afterwards, and I get to use big ‘scopes without having to set them up or tear them down. W00t!
We decided to do the ceremony via Skype, so I actually did the whole Sorry I couldn’t make it but here’s my acceptance speech from a remote location Oscars-type thing. It’s now up on YouTube:
Unfortunately, there’s an echo, making it a little difficult to understand; plus as an added bonus Kenneth Frank, who gave me the award, is in a dark room (it’s a planetarium, after all) so all you really see is his bow tie. But there you go.
Again, I’d like to thank AANC and the SFAA. I’d do what I do anyway, but it’s nice to get recognized for it too.
Oh — they posted lots of pictures of the event, too. Hey… don’t I know her?
October 4th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Well, then let me be the first to say, congratulations, mate! Very well deserved.
October 4th, 2007 at 11:57 am
How appropriate considering this month’s SkepDude picture!
October 4th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Congratulations, Phil!
October 4th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Well deserved. Congratulations
October 4th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Allright! Way to go BA.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Congratulations!
October 4th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
[...] Original post by The Bad Astronomer [...]
October 4th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
The Bad Astronomer is a certified B.A.!
October 4th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Congratulations, Phil!!
You deserve for the excellent work you are doing.
By the way, can you stop putting so many posts?…
I´m having problems to keep up with your pace
Cheers.
C
October 4th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
[...] An awarding experience » This Summary is from an article posted at Bad Astronomy Blog on Thursday, October 04, 2007 This [...]
October 4th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Hey, a talking bow-tie, that’s cool!
October 4th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Congrats Phil! Couldn’t think of anyone who deserves it more (or who I’d rather receive the award).
October 4th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Speaking, Phil, if you wear discreet ear-bud headphones rather than use your speakers next time, the audience (and recording) won’t get nailed with the echo.
October 4th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
October 5th, 2007 at 7:44 am
As a semi-retired English teacher, I would like to add another award:
“On behalf of all who love the English language, we wish to recognize Philip Plait for his high level of error-free writing, demonstrating that one who lives for the sciences can also love literacy and use it well to further his advocacy and raison d’etre. He does this so well that we can even overlook the fact that he uses the word “cool” even more often than John Denver did. Congratulations, Dr. Plait.”
October 5th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Phil,
Congratulations on your well-deserved award.
I can think of few people who have done more to advance the understanding (and joy and excitement) of astronomy and science in general than you have.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
To MO Man,
I thought John Denver said “FARRRR OUT!” a lot.