Mike receives the Director's Award at the Spring Meeting in Las Cruces, NM

Mike was chosen as this year's recipient of the AAVSO Director's Award by both former Interim Director Elizabeth O. Waagen and new AAVSO Director Arne A. Henden in recognition of his:

- valuable contributions of variable star observations during campaigns in support of professional ground-based and satellite programs, and a cumulative total of nearly 42,000 visual observations contributed to the AAVSO International Database since 1998;

- extensive contributions in the area of AAVSO charts, including his leadership of the AAVSO Chart Team (formed in 2003), creation of thousands of charts for the AAVSO, investigation of suspected variable comparison stars, and working to improve chart sequences;

- fostering of variable star observing through his creation of valuable utilities such as the "Needs More Observations" (NMO) online tool for long period variables, mentoring of new observers, and passionate advocacy for excellence in observing.

The Chart Specialists: Bruce Sumner, John Toone, and Mike Simonsen

Mike catches up with friends Vance Petriew, Michael Koppelman, and Richard Huziak.

Our feeling towards Mike can best be summarized by a quote from Aaron Price:

"Mike's personality and enthusiasm have often been a catalyst for the AAVSO. This is especially true at meetings where his presence brings topical conversation and always ensures the birth of at least one new story to join AAVSO lore. Mike can be counted on to give an honest opinion, to work hard, to bring enthusiasm, and to do his very best. That really is the point behind Mike Simonsen: He can be counted on. Period."

More Information

• Mike Simonsen's Variable Star Pages
• CVnet - A community website devoted to cataclysmic variables, created by Mike Simonsen