Dr. Phil Plait and Dr. Pamela Gay
Atlanta area amateur astronomers and fans of the cosmos have an interesting opportunity next week. On September 3rd the Atlanta Skeptics are holding a Star Party which will be hosted by Dr. Phil Plait and Dr. Pamela Gay. Hosted at Agnes Scott College's Bradley Observatory, the event is a fund-raiser held in honor of skeptic and astronomer Jeff Medkeff, noted for his Blue Collar Scientist blog. Medkeff passed away from liver cancer in August of 2008. Medkeff named asteroids after some noted skeptics and scientists including local Atlanta podcasters Derek Colanduno and Robyn "Swoopy" McCarthy of the Skepticality podcast.
Astronomer Dr. Phil Plait is the current president of the James Randi Educational Foundation, and is the author of the very popular blog Bad Astronomy at Discovery.com. His book "Death from the Skies" just came out in paperback.
Dr. Pamela Gay is also an astronomer, podcaster and writer. She is the co-host of the Astronomy Cast podcast, and is heavily involved with the new media promotion of the International Year of Astronomy.
The Star Party will celebrate the beauty of the Universe, allow attendees to mingle with fellow astronomy fans, and raise funds to fight cancer. The ticket price includes the guided stargazing, a lecture, dinner and four drink tickets. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in Jeff Medkeff's name.
Tickets for the event are $65 with drink tickets, or $50 with no alcohol. The dress code is "dress/cocktail." More details and tickets are available at the Star Party website.
This will also be a great opportunity to come out and meet a lot of the Atlanta Skeptics. The event is being organized by Maria Walters, one of the SkepChick bloggers and other members of Atlanta's skeptic and freethinker community. Skeptical Inquirer managing editor Benjamin Radford will also be in attendance plus many others.
Oh, and I will be there too. So feel free to come say hello and sip champagne under the stars. (Technically, I don't know if they'll have champagne but you could mix your wine with some Sprite...)
Comments
Wow, great idea to provide a voice of reason amidst the sea of silliness and woo on here (I'm looking at you, Satya Harvey!). I hope your column lasts for a long time, and inspires many more to take up the gauntlet.
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