The Mission of the RASC, is to enhance understanding of and inspire curiosity about the Universe, through public outreach, education, and support for astronomical research. So, public education is central to the Centre’s mission. From 2004 to 2019, the Northern Prairie Star Party was a fixture on the RASC Edmonton Centre Calendar. Originally organized by Warren Finlay, our awardees, the members of the NPSP Committee, took it over in 2005 and ran it after that.
However, as everyone is aware, the pandemic took hold in 2020 and resulted in the cancellation of the NPSP in 2020 and again in 2021.
But our awardees never gave up on the idea of holding it, and under their leadership it came roaring back this year. As in years past, they put together a budget, assembled a team of volunteers, arranged camping facilities, recruited guest speakers, solicited guest speakers and door prizes and set up the facilities. And this year, under clear dark skies, there were 67 registrants — and, as they reported in Stardust: “great camaraderie, learning and enthusiasm…”
So it gives me great pleasure to announce that this year’s George Moores Memorial Award for Excellence in Public Education goes to Rick and Susan Bramm.