Especially if Space Advocacy is Their Bag

Rounding out this week’s suggestions for gifts that pay it forward in terms of astronomy and space science, why not consider a membership in The Planetary Society?  This group has been around since 1980, when it was founded by Louis Friedman, Bruce Murray, and Carl Sagan. The members, who live in 125 countries, support such interesting and forward-looking programs as SETI@Home, solar sail development, extrasolar planet discoveries, and exploration of our own solar system. Planetary Society is Earth’s largest non-governmental space action group. It publishes The Planetary Report, offers up contests and projects that anyone can participate in, and sponsors great lectures and other events in various communities. Plus, membership gets you discounts at participating planetarium facilities — a plus if you like to go see planetarium shows!

And speaking of which, I can’t stress enough that memberships at your local science museum or science center, or even gift certificates to shows at your local planetarium (either a certificate you make yourself, or one that you can buy from any planetarium that offers them) are also very cool ways to pay forward a love of astronomy and skygazing.

I realize that this week’s suggestions are a tip of the iceberg and that there are many other great organizations, objects, and ideas for gifts that are available. If you’d like to suggest other ideas in comments, feel free.  I moderate comments pretty frequently, so have at it!