Awards and Recognition
Special Recognition Award
Honoring
Janet A. Mattei - 30 Years as AAVSO Director
It was with great pleasure and gratitude that the AAVSO awarded a Special Recognition plaque and citation to AAVSO Director Janet Mattei for her 30 years of outstanding leadership. While Janet was unable to attend the meeting due to her medical condition, her husband Mike accepted the award on her behalf.
Below are a some excerpts from the citation:
“The American Association of Variable Star Observers wishes to honor Janet Akyüz Mattei on this, the thirtieth anniversary of her Directorship of the Association...”
“Janet’s accomplishments during her 30 years as director have been many. Since October 20, 1973, she has led the AAVSO in its growth from a small organization to a truly independent, vibrant, cutting-edge institution...”
“ A born mentor, she has encouraged, guided, and supported countless individuals, especially young people, not only in astronomy but also in their choices of life paths. Always intense and enthused, Janet is never satisfied with doing merely a good job - she insists on excellence. Leading by example, she has always set the highest standards for herself and the AAVSO.
All the membership wishes to thank and congratulate Janet for her 30 years of service, not only to the AAVSO but also to the entire variable star community, amateur and professional, past, present, and future. Janet, you are an exemplary director, and our hats are off to you!”
More information on Janet Mattei and her directorship.
The Nova/Supernova Award
At the Annual Meeting in October, 1928, a Nova Award Medal was instituted to encourage and recognize the visual discoverers of novae. The Medal was not restricted to members of the AAVSO, but it would be awarded to the original discoverer of a nova by direct visual methods. The AAVSO was proud to announce at this fall’s 92nd Annual Meeting the presentation of a Supernova Award to:
Robert O. Evans
of Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, for his visual discovery of the following supernovae:
Supernova 2003B near NGC 1097 on January 5.5 UT
Supernova 2003gd IN M74 NGC 628 on June 12.82 UT
Supernova 2003gs IN NGC 936 July 29.75 UT
Supernova 2003hn IN NGC 1448 Aug. 25.70 UT
