The Solar Physics Division (SPD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) solicits nominations for its Popular Media Awards (https://spd.aas.org/prizes/popular-media), given annually to authors of popular articles / new media (e.g., interactive media, video) about the Sun or the effects of the Sun on Earth’s environment. Three awards are made: one to a scientist, one to a journalist, and one to a student.

Nominations (including self-nominations) will be accepted until Tuesday, 6 April 2021.

The SPD Popular Media Award Committee will judge nominated material published in the last calendar year (2020) based on the following criteria: relevance, educational value, accuracy, clarity, and impact. Articles/media must be written in English and published in a North American newspaper, magazine, or popular science journal or equivalent electronic publication. Books are not eligible. Any living author is eligible to receive the award.

The cash amount of each award is $500. Awards will be accompanied by a certificate and award stickers. 

Please send the following information to submit a nomination: the title and author(s) of the article/media, the name and date of the publication (and a link if the material is online), and the category (scientist, journalist, student). Self-nominations are welcome. Please email nominations to James Mason at james.mason@lasp.colorado.edu.

Contact:
James Paul Mason
Chair, SPD Popular Media Award Committee
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
University of Colorado, Boulder
james.mason@lasp.colorado.edu
+ 1 (303) 735-5472

The AAS Solar Physics Division (SPD, https://spd.aas.org) advances the study of the Sun, coordinates such research with other branches of science, holds annual scientific meetings, awards prizes, and supports students in various ways.

The American Astronomical Society (AAS, https://aas.org), established in 1899, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. Its mission is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe.