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The Astronomical League's Leslie C. Peltier Award
Harlow Shapely once referred to Leslie C. Peltier as "the world's greatest living amateur
astronomer." This was a view shared by all who knew him, or knew of him. During his active
observing life, which spanned all, or parts of eight decades, he made over 132,000 observations of
variable stars, discovered 12 comets and 6 novae.
He was author of three books: Starlight Nights (for which he was named Ohio Author of theYear
in 1966), Guideposts to the Stars, and The Place on Jennings Creek. Many prominent
astronomers today, such as David Levy, were greatly influenced and inspired by his work.
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| AAVSO member Ed Oravec wins the Leslie C. Peltier Award |
When he died in 1980, it was felt that the Astronomical League should prepare a lasting tribute
to this man who represented the best that our common avocation has to offer. A stranding
resolution was passed at the 1980 League Convention in Dallas, Texas establishing the Leslie C.
Peltier Award for significant contributions to observational astronomy. The award became a
reality when Mr. John Diebel, president of Meade Instruments, agreed to sponsor it. The award
consists of a 12" X 9" goldtone cast plate on a 15" X 12" walnut backing. It is a magnificent
object to behold. Since 1980, there have been eighteen recipients of the award.
| Year |
Winner |
Contribution
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| 2006 |
Elizabeth Waagen |
Variable Stars |
| 2005 |
Ed Grafton |
CCD Planetary Astronomy |
| 2004 |
Wayne Johnson |
Extra Galactic Supernovae |
| 2003 |
Paul Comba |
Minor Planets |
| 2002 |
Gene Hanson |
Variable Stars |
| 2001 |
Richard Berry |
CCD & Telescopic Development |
| 2000 |
Charles Scovil |
Variable Star Astronomy, chart preparation |
| 1999 |
Bill Albrecht |
Variable Star Astronomy |
| 1998 |
Roger Sinnott |
General astronomy. Atlas preparation. |
| 1997 |
Dennis di Cicco |
Minor planets, lunar & planetary astronomy, general
observational astronomy |
| 1996 |
Ed Oravec |
Variable star astronomy |
| 1995 |
Ron Parmentier |
General observational astronomy |
| 1994 |
No award given |
| 1993 |
Janet Mattei |
Variable star astronomy |
| 1992 |
Don Parker |
CCD astronomy, lunar & planetary astronomy |
| 1991 |
Tom Cragg |
Variable Stars, lunar and planetary astronomy |
| 1990 |
No award given |
| 1989 |
Peter Collins |
Nova discovery |
| 1988 |
David H. Levy |
Variable stars, comet discoveries, general observational astronomy |
| 1987 |
No Award Given |
| 1986 |
Russell Genet |
Developments in photoelectric photometry |
| 1985 |
Rev. Robert Evans |
Supernova discoveries |
| 1984 |
Walter Scott Houston |
Variable stars, "Deep Sky Wonders" |
| 1983 |
Clinton Ford |
Variable stars, chart development |
| 1982 |
Walter Haas |
Lunar and planetary astronomy |
| 1981 |
Edward Halbach |
Variable stars, lunar occultations, artificial satellite programs |
| 1980 |
Leslie C. Peltier |
Variable stars, comet & nova discoveries, general observational astronomy. |
Bolded names indicate AAVSO member/observer |
The Peltier Award Committee consists of three members; Dr. Roger Kolman (Chairman), Richard
Wend, and Russ Maxwell. Nominations and supporting evidence may be sent to the chairman for
consideration. His address is:
Dr. Roger Kolman
279 South Milton Avenue
Glen Ellyn, IL 60138
E-mail: rskolman@interaccess.com
They must be received by no later than April 1 for eligibility for that year. The award is presented
at the National Convention of the Astronomical League.
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