The longtime Astronomy journal contributor simply acquired a significant award.
Dr. Alan Stern, a planetary scientist and affiliate vice chairman in Southwest Analysis Institute’s Area Sector, has been named a fellow of the American Astronomical Society.
Credit score: Courtesy of SWRI
In case you’re a reader of Astronomy, you acknowledge the title Alan Stern. Via the years, he’s written quite a few tales for the journal. Some you may learn on-line embrace “How I flew to house,” “5 trendy revolutions in planetary science,” and “New Horizons explores the Kuiper Belt.”
Only in the near past, nevertheless, Stern acquired an excellent honor. He was named a fellow of the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Fellows are acknowledged for his or her unique analysis and publications, revolutionary contributions to astronomical strategies or instrumentation, vital contributions to schooling and public outreach, and different noteworthy service to astronomy. Fewer than one-half of 1 % of the greater than 8,000 AAS members obtain this award every year.
A distinguished profession
Most individuals in all probability acknowledge Stern as precept investigator of NASA’s New Horizons mission, which launched in January 2006 and flew by and studied Pluto in July 2015. However he’s performed a management function on 15 NASA and European Area Company missions and served on the science groups of 15 others. The AAS made him a Fellow for his management in house science and instrumentation to review the outer photo voltaic system and for long-term service to the neighborhood.
TIME journal named Stern one of many 100 most influential folks of the yr — twice! The editors acknowledged his contributions in 2016 and 2017. Additionally, in 2016, NASA introduced him its Distinguished Public Service Medal, that company’s highest civilian honor.
“I’m deeply honored and humbled to be named an AAS Fellow,” Stern stated. “I owe the lion’s share of my skilled success to Southwest Analysis Institute.”
Congratulations, Alan. No one deserves this award greater than you.
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