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Past Awards

 

2008 Walter Scott Houston Award - MIKE MATTEI
 
Mike Mattei has been an active observer for many decades and a member of ALPO and AAVSO. He worked at Harvard Observatory's Agassiz Station (now Oak Ridge Obs.), and met his future wife (Dr. Janet Akyuz Mattei 1943 -2004) at AAVSO.  He became very active in optics and amateur telescope making, and later went professional, specializing in the fabrication of aspherical optics at Space Optics Research Labs, and Optical Systems and Technolgy Inc (O.S.T.I.). There he worked on optics for space exploration such as an Ultraviolet Telescope for Goddard Space Flight Center. Eventually Mike was asked to join the staff at Lincoln Labs to work on special Government 'Star Wars' projects using Laser Imaging Optical Radar Systems. He also worked at MIT's Wallace Astrophysical Observatory. He taught courses at University of Hawaii and spoke at local club events  Mike is possibly best known for his hundreds of nights teaching beginners the art and craft of mirror making at the ATMoB workhop in Westford, Massachusetts. He still works full time at Lincoln Labs, and continues to spend his nights searching for Novae for the AAVSO in his home-built observatory in Littleton, MA.
We are very pleased to give this award to this innovative, self-educated man who took the time to pass on his knowledge to so many amateurs, while he worked alongside many professionals and researchers in astronomy.
   CLICK HERE to read the wording on the plaque.

2007 Walter Scott Houston Award - DR. DAN  GREEN
    Dr. Dan Green is best known for his professional work as Director of the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, and his work with comets, he is also the principal founder of the New England Light Pollution Advisory Group (NELPAG). The awareness of the problem of light pollution in our region has been greatly influenced by the efforts of the NELPAG group. Dr. Green also helped revising the draft Massachusetts Outdoor Lighting Bill, which we hope will be passed in the not too distant future.
    CLICK HERE to read the wording on the plaque.

2006 Walter Scott Houston Award - PAUL ANTHONY VALLELI
    Paul Valleli has done so very much for the art of amateur telescope making, and has been a mentor to many opticians, amateur and professional alike. He has helped preserve our history, written articles, and been active in the Astronomical League for many years, having even served as a past NERAL Chairman. Paul is known to many as one of Stellafane's finest optical judges for many years, and he helped pass on the judging tradition that is still in use today at the Stellafane Convention.  He has been a professional optician himself for many years, and some of his handiwork has been sent into deep space...
    CLICK HERE to read the wording on the plaque.

2005 Walter Scott Houston Award - DR. MARIO MOTTA
    Mario Motta is an amateur telescope maker (32 inch), observatory builder, an observer/educator, a light pollution warrior (NELPAG), and a physician.
    He is a member and past president of the ATM's of Boston.
    CLICK HERE to read the wording on the plaque.

2004 Walter Scott Houston Award - BOB CRELIN   
    Ever hear of  The Glarebuster? Bob Crelin helped Bradford, CT get a light pollution law. He's an author, educator an avid amateur.
    CLICK HERE to read the wording on the plaque.

2003 Walter Scott Houston Award - DR. ARTHUR UPGREN
    Art Upgren helped Stellafane and many others with his famous dark sky studies. He is an author and professional astronomer. 
    CLICK HERE to read the wording on the plaque


2002 Walter Scott Houston Award - SUSAN ROSE
    Sue Rose has been president of the Amateur Observers Society of NY for many years. She is a great leader in many ways.    
    CLICK HERE to read the wording on the plaque

 2001 Walter Scott Houston Award - ANNA SUDARIC HILLIER
    Anna Hillier was Historian for many years for the ATM's of Boston.   
    CLICK HERE to read the wording on the plaque

 

 

 

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