Marni Berendsen, employed with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) since 2002, is the lead project manager and developer of the NASA Night Sky Network (http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/), a nationwide coalition of 380 (and growing!) amateur astronomy clubs dedicated to astronomy outreach. The Night Sky Network is an ASP and NASA-funded program to create and disseminate informal outreach materials and training specifically tailored for use by amateur astronomers.

An amateur astronomer for many years, Marni is a Project ASTRO partner and a member of the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society in Concord, California, participating regularly in the club’s outreach programs and contributing to club management.

Her interest in astronomy was sparked as a young Girl Scout camping out in a high Sierra meadow while Scout leaders told stories of the Greek gods illustrated by the tapestry of constellations over their heads.

 

Five Easy Steps to Growing Your Astronomy Club

 

Workshop Thursday 9:30 – 11, Indiana Room, Third Floor

 

 

Plenty of resources are available to support our observing habit, but where do we turn for support to run our clubs and grow the hobby? How do we inspire the public to join us? With more than eight years of research and experience with astronomy clubs, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and the NASA Night Sky Network provide you with the steps to addressing many of the challenges clubs face.

 


 

Presenters: Marni Berendsen, Astronomical Society of the Pacific and NASA Night Sky Network 

 

                  John Bunyan, Grants Pass Astronomers in Oregon