The Berenice Page Medal

Berenice Page Medal

The ASA awards the Berenice Page Medal for excellence in amateur astronomy in Australia and its territories. It is normally awarded every two years for scientific contributions by an amateur astronomer that has served to advance astronomy. The Berenice Page Medal is presented at the biennial National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers (NACAA) by a representative of the ASA Council. The winner also receives one year's free membership of the ASA. The award is specifically for scientific contributions that have served to advance astronomy. While the amateur astronomical community benefits greatly from members' organisational services, their popularisation of astronomy and their proficiency in established astronomical techniques, these qualities are not relevant to the award's criteria. Self nominations are permitted. A request for nominations is usually emailed out to Amateur Astronomical Societies in November every second year, with a closing date for nominations of 31 January (in the following year). Nominations must include: a detailed description of the candidate's achievements, outlining as succinctly as possible the scientific results that the candidate has produced and the impact this has had on astronomy. a covering letter giving the candidate's full name, address and a brief summary of their association with astronomy and particular research interests. supporting material such as copies of papers, articles or books written by the candidate that substantiate their nomination. Nominations should be addressed to:     Dr Tanya Hill     ASA Prizes and Awards Coordinator     Museum Victoria     GPO Box 666     Melbourne Vic 3001     thill -@- museum.vic.gov.au Further information can be found in the Conditions and Guidelines.

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List of Past Winners

2008 - Mr John Broughton

For his systematic survey for southern declination Near Earth Objects, including numerous occultation timings.

2006 - Dr Tom Richards

For his broad ranging CCD photometry lightcurve observations particularly of minor planets, variable stars and exoplanet searches.

2004 - Mr Colin Bembrick

For his significant contribution to astronomy from photometric observations of minor planets.

2002 - The Reynolds Amateur Photometry Team

For work in association with professional astronomers to provide data on objects such as supernovae, blazars and gamma ray bursts, using the Reynolds 30" telescope at Mount Stromlo Observatory.

2000 - Mr Andrew Pearce

For his high quality visual observations of comets, variable stars and novae.

1998 - Mr Gordon Garradd

For significant contributions in the observation of asteroids, comets, novae and supernovae.

1996 - Mr Peter Williams

For his extensive on-going visual observations of variable stars, especially the R Coronae Borealis variables.

1994 - Mr Paul Camilleri

For discoveries of novae and Mira variables and the development of simple photographic techniques for nova searches.

1992 - Dr Mal Wilkinson

For the design and construction of a radio-telescope and subsequent observations of the Io-Jupiter system and for his development of a model for the emissions.

1990 - Mr. Barry Adcock

For telescope design work and planetary observations.

1988 - Mr. Robert McNaught

For photographic nova and supernova observations and discoveries.

1986 - Reverend Robert Evans

For visual discoveries of supernovae.

1983 - Mr. Byron Soulsby

For work on the oblateness of the umbral shadow.

1981 - Mr. Bill Bradfield

For the discovery, up to that time, of 11 comets.

1978 - no award

1975 - Mr David Herald

For observations of Baily Beads in the solar eclipse of 20 June 1974.

1973 - Mr. S.J. Elwin

For photometric observations of the occultation of Beta' Scorpii by Jupiter.

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