With just a couple of weeks until the closing date for Astronomy magazine’s 2012 Out-of-this-world Award, I wanted to post a reminder about this great opportunity.

If you’re part of a nonprofit group anywhere in the world that presents the wonders of astronomy to the public, you’re eligible for this $2,500 award. Based on when proposals arrived in the past few years, I’m sure there are still organizations out there that are eligible for this prize but simply haven’t applied yet. Well, you can’t wait much longer! The entry form for Astronomy’s 2012 Out-of-this-world Award is available for download at www.Astronomy.com/award. Applications and material must be postmarked by January 18, 2013. Here are the rules:

• Groups applying must be nonprofit educational or civic organizations.
• The award recognizes an organization’s ongoing efforts to involve its local community in the science and/or hobby of astronomy.
• The application consists of a form and two (2) essays: one describing the group’s outreach projects (500 words), the other explaining how the monetary award is to be used (250 words).
• Submission of photographs, media clippings, promotional flyers, and other relevant material is encouraged.
• The outreach programs should be of such a size and scope that the $2,500 award allows demonstrable progress toward completion or improvements. For example, a new telescope for public events, laptop computer, marketing materials, signage for events, structural improvements to facilities, or other technology upgrades would be feasible with such money.
• Judges will be members of the Astronomy staff.
• Award money must be used within 12 months of receipt.

If you have any questions about the award, please contact me at mbakich@astronomy.com.