Las Cumbres Outreach Award

This national award honors outstanding educational outreach to K-12 children and the public on the subject of astronomy by an individual not employed in the field. Mr. McPartlin, a resident of Santa Barbara, is the Outreach Coordinator for the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU), the local astronomy club that was selected as the number one outreach club in the Nation in 2011 by Astronomy Magazine under his leadership. He has been a member of the SBAU since 1988, and has been the driving force of the club ever since.

A software Engineer during the day, Mr. McPartlin converts into an encyclopedic astronomer during the night. For almost the past quarter century he has conducted countless “Star Parties” in Goleta, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and the Santa Ynez Valley, giving thousands a glimpse to the stars above. On August 7th Mr. McPartlin will receive his award at the annual National ASP Convention and Training Symposium in Tuscon, Arizona.

Information of future star parties and astronomy can be obtained at www.sbau.org.