Share the Universe: A Guide to Outreach Astronomy

As every astronomer knows, astronomy is one of the most approachable and inspiring of the natural sciences. It appeals to both children and adults while drawing in curious minds with its immense distances and unimaginably powerful natural phenomena. In this book, you will find out how to be a part of the journey in sharing scientific knowledge and inspiring minds of all ages. By using the affordable tools and techniques provided in this book - you will learn about how astronomers can easily engage people with views of our solar system’s planets, moons, and even more distant objects like nebulas, stellar nurseries, and remnants of exploded stars.

Perhaps most importantly, the natural appeal of this science is helpful when explaining to non-scientists how science ＂works.＂ What is science and scientific methodology? How is it used to give mankind knowledge and solutions to problems that we face in many scientific fields including medicine? How does it differ from other sources of information?

This book, sprinkled with the author’s 24 plus years of personal experience in public outreach, offers practical techniques to engage, educate, and inspire all who are interested in the field of astronomy.

Richard Stember, is the Executive Director of Science Heads Inc. - a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in California. He founded Science Heads in 2014 to help inspire local students to study STEM subjects and generally raise science literacy in his community. Since its founding, new chapters of Science Heads have started in northern California, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.

Mr. Stember is also a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador. The SSA program is run by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and sponsors and trains more than 1,000 volunteers internationally. SSA’s are tasked with educating the public about NASA missions and programs. Richard has been participating in and organizing outreaches - hosted by local astronomy clubs, Science Heads, and NASA - for over 16 years.