365 Days of Astronomy Podcast Wins Award
Written by Nancy Atkinson
365 Days of Astronomy's Parsec Award for Best Infotainment Podcast. Photo courtesy Dr. Pamela Gay
The 365 Days of Astronomy podcast has been awarded the 2009 Parsec Award for the Best "Infotainment" podcast. The award was presented at the Dragon*Con convention in Atlanta, Georgia on September 5, 2009. The 365 Days of Astronomy podcast was one of 5 finalists for the award, with 50 shows receiving nominations. The novel concept of 365 DoA is to provide podcast for every day of 2009 — the International Year of Astronomy — with the content submitted from people all around the world.
“It has been such a pleasure to work with everyone on this project, from scientists and engineers who work with telescopes and space missions to passionate amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts,” said 365 DoA team member and Universe Today Senior Editor Nancy Atkinson **….
“Everyone who has participated has thrown themselves wholeheartedly into sharing their excitement and knowledge about space and astronomy, creating a collection of podcasts that is likely unequaled anywhere. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to work on this project for the International Year of Astronomy have had the opportunity to ‘meet’ so many wonderful people from all over the world – it has been a great experience!” Atkinson said.
“This show is a testament to what a group of people can accomplish when they follow both their hearts and their heads,” said Pamela Gay, co-chair of the IYA 2009 New Media Task Group. “This project has been a true community effort, with the audio coming from the entire astronomy community from around the world –professionals, amateurs, and people who just love the science. This award literally goes to a cast of hundreds."
Gay added that although it is just three years old, the Parsec Awards have quickly become one of the most recognizable honors in science and fiction podcasting. “To have our community production receive this award was an amazing experience. This is everyone’s award.” she said.
** This is the first time I've ever gotten to quote myself from a press release! What fun! And all of us who have worked with the 365 Days of Astronomy podcast are very excited about the award. Thanks to everyone who has participated by either submitting a podcast or listening! — Nancy
Filed under: IYA 2009
Comment policy: Be nice and brief. Don't advertise your stuff, or promote your personal theories. We'll delete any comments that break these policies. Click here for more details.
September 8th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Congrads to ALL from Universe Today for the heavy lifting – you guys made it happen.
September 8th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Timjim, UT has helped, but Nancy has done a TON on her own, with the help of a bunch of other folks not associated with UT. Pamela and Preston from Astronomy Cast, Ian from Jodcast, Mike from Slacker Astronomy, Emily from Planetary Society, etc.
UT has been a big supporter, and I don't want to diminish that. I'm just pointing out its an effort much bigger than UT.
But to end on a high note Nancy has done a real yow-man's job and deserves a ton of credit for her work both behind the mike and behind the keyboard! Thanks Nancy!
September 8th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
"I'm just pointing out its an effort much bigger than UT."
Yeah, I think anyone that has listened to the podcast would know that.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
In fact, I'd say that UT has provided almost nothing to this effort, aside from some promotional help. It's all from the IYA, and especially Nancy's volunteer efforts. We've helped promote the podcast, and I recorded a couple of episodes with Pamela, but Universe Today didn't get that involved.
Kudos to Nancy and all of the 365 Days of Astronomy team, you did a great job! Please rest on your laurels, so Astronomy Cast can win next year.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Congrats!! I love the statue on the chair picture
Anyone get video of the award presentation?
September 9th, 2009 at 1:10 am
Well done Nancy et al.
It is great to get astronomy recognised with an open "infotainment" award. Let hope it gets coverage in the mainstream media in the US.
September 9th, 2009 at 5:54 am
Thanks everyone!
–Nancy
September 10th, 2009 at 11:09 am
BTW – Not many people would think to perform a song as part of an astronomy podcast. Reason number 43 to thank Nancy for being smarter than me!