Last month, Uwingu, a company that connects the public with the sky in order to raise funds for space exploration and astronomy research, announced its "Beam Me to Mars" project. Astronomy magazine is already sending its logo to raise money for research grants, and now we're partnering with Uwingu to beam the names of our more than 80,000 subscribers as well.
The focus of "Beam Me to Mars" is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of our exploration of the Red Planet by sending messages to Mars on November 28 while also raising funding for today's scientific explorers. For as little as $5, anyone can add to the radio message, which satellite communications provider Universal Space Network will transmit at a rate of 1 million bits per second.
Uwingu understands that Astronomy subscribers are dedicated to astronomical research and space exploration, as it's this work they enjoy reading about every month in the magazine, so it was only fitting that their names be included in the mass message.
And we're not alone in the excitement. Uwingu has already received messages from such celebrities as actors Seth Green and George "Sulu" Takei, astronaut Chris Hadfield, Pulitzer-winning author Dava Sobel, and Bill Nye the Science Guy.
Plus, there's still time for the rest of the public to get in on the fun. By November 5, you can submit names, messages, pictures, and — just added — audio recordings. Simply visit www.uwingu.com.