Adam Atanas, the winner of Astronomy’s Youth Essay Contest, had the opportunity to meet and chat with keynote speaker Alex Filippenko of the University of California, Berkeley, during his trip to the Northeast Astronomy Forum. Katya Atanas photo
Adam Atanas, our 11-year-old winner of
Astronomy’s Youth Essay Contest, recently sent the staff a thank-you note for the trip to this year’s Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF). We’re glad he had an excellent time, and we feel his note is a testament to the emphasis NEAF puts on encouraging children’s interest in astronomy. We hope his words inspire some parents and grandparents out there to take their budding amateur astronomers to future conferences like NEAF and other outreach events.
Thank you for providing the NEAF trip to me as the winner of your Youth Essay Contest! It was incredible! Everyone — including Astronomy magazine personnel, vendors, speakers, and even other amateur astronomer attendees — was extremely gracious and helpful. It never ceases to amaze me how everyone in the astronomical community is always so willing to share invaluable expertise.
The vendors offered superb advice on the eyepieces and filters that I was considering. Many spent considerable time explaining my options and helping me optimize my budget.
Attending amateur astronomers also offered friendly advice. On one occasion, I was debating between two eyepiece options and an amateur astronomer who happened to own one of my choices overheard my indecisiveness. He gave me a firsthand review and addressed all of my concerns. On another occasion, I was eating lunch when another attending amateur astronomer started recommending astronomy software and resources.
In addition, the speakers were extremely informative and were available after their lectures to sign autographs and answer questions. Even the keynote speaker, Dr. Alex Filippenko, stayed for almost an hour after his presentation to answer questions, shake hands, and sign autographs for the audience.
I sincerely appreciate this amazing opportunity from Astronomy magazine. The event absolutely exceeded my expectations.
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