Promise The Sun, Moon, and Stars… and Deliver!

Every year, I get emails from folks asking about gift ideas for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. I’m a big fan of using gifts to help people learn about the stars and space exploration. It just seems like a great thing to give someone — access to the cosmos. So, in no particular order, here are some gift ideas you can use as a springboard to that really great present for someone (or even yourself).

First, as most of you know, I’m a science writer, and I have a few things out there you can read. The first is a book called Astronomy 101, which has just gone into another printing. It’s an introduction to astronomy and space exploration, aimed at people who just want to know a bit more about the universe and the things in it. I had a fun time writing it, and if you buy it, I hope you (or your designated gift target) will have fun reading it!

The Gift of Space Music!

Next, I am lucky enough to be married to one of the world’s all-time GREAT space music composers. His stage name is GEODESIUM, and he has a whole set of albums you can buy as CDs or download to enjoy. They started out as soundtrack music for planetarium shows, and people around the world have written to say how much they enjoy the spacey “music with hooks” that is his style.  He’s got 12 albums out now, and more coming in the future. Check ’em out! (I’ve heard that some stargazers like to observe while listening to GEODESIUM music!)

There’s a Starry App for That Gift!

Another great product that I use (and you will, too) is an iOS-based app called StarMap. It works on everything from an iPhone 4 to Apple TV and the Watch. It’s one of the best-known astro-apps for iOS and is continually updated by the developer.

My connection to StarMap is that I wrote a series of “planetarium shows” that run inside the app. They’re called StarMap stories, and they teach you a little about star lore and astronomy history as you use the app to learn your way around the sky. They’ll soon be available in full, glorious HD for Apple TV users!

The Gift of Space on Your Calendar

Every year I get The Year in Space Calendar and marvel at the great images and writing that go into the creation of this project.  If you are hankering for a spacey way to keep your schedule together, this is the one to get.

It comes in three versions: a desk calendar, a wall calendar, and a weekly online version (which gives you historical facts of interest).

Both the desk and wall calendars are filled with gorgeous images, knowledge, and inspiration! You can order them online at the link above, and I know I’ve seen them on Amazon and other online shops. I learn something new every day from this calendar, and I recommend it to your wall!

The Gift of News from the Cosmos

Are you interested in space news? My friends over at Uwingu.com have a great new service starting up called Daily Space Explorer. It’s a curated space image subscription service that supplies you an image and the scientific story behind it. You get 365 days of great space news. The normal price is $19.95 a year, but the Uwingu folks are running a special from now until Christmas, giving you the same great subscription for $9.95.

Check it out — and get great behind-the-scenes access to astronomy news. The best news about this service? Your fees go to help support science research and education. Half of all the proceeds go to education and research grants, and so far, Uwingu has funded more than $150,000 grant requests. Uwingu also sells names for craters on their Mars map, so go check ’em out for more great ideas. And remember, you’re helping a good cause: science research and education!

Pre-Order The New Cosmos

I haven’t gotten this book yet, although I have asked for a review copy and it’s on the way. However, even before I get it, I can tell, this looks like a winner! And, I can’t wait to start reading it. This book appears absolutely gorgeous and full of promise.   And, it’s written by a long-time colleague of mine in the astronomy “biz”: David Eicher, with an introduction by Alexei Filippenko (professor of astronomy at University of California, Berkeley). David has been sharing snippets of it online in various places (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and he’s a gifted writer. He’s also editor in chief of Astronomy Magazine. 

The book is due out 12/31/2015, but you can order it in pre-release from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online and “brick and mortar” stores.

Membership Has Its Privileges

Join up with like-minded people to support your favorite astronomy cause.  Why not join a group interested in keeping dark skies dark? The International Dark Sky Association teaches about safe lighting and the effects of light pollution on stargazing, wildlife, and human health. It’s a worthy organization, and a gift of a membership for yourself or someone else helps them fight light pollution.

If you’re interested in astronomy education, check out the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. This group has members around the world, holds great conferences, and equips teachers and students with just what they need to learn more about science. They also have a great online Astroshop, stocked with calendars, star charts and planispheres, educational products, and much more!

Also consider joining up with Astronomers Without Borders. This group has as its motto: “One people + One Sky”. The members share astronomy with students and teachers around the world through joint observing projects, support projects in developing countries, and online programs.

In addition to soliciting donations and other support, AWB sells some great little telescopes in their shop that are great for beginners.  The shop also has a cool NightSky Umbrella, star charts, solar glasses, and shirts. Proceeds from all sales go to AWB’s outreach programs to help share the sky with everyone, no matter where they live!

We’re members of a cool group called Friends of the Observatory that supports the outreach efforts of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Each year, FOTO brings students to the observatory, charters special trips and events for members, and helps bring the message of astronomy to the observatory visitors.

You don’t have to be a SoCal resident to join — we live in Colorado. But, we support FOTO and the work it does to bring a great astronomy experience to everyone who sets foot in the observatory. And, if you get a chance to visit — enjoy the exhibits!  (I wrote them.)

The Gift of Time for Stargazing

Here’s something that doesn’t cost you a dime: commit some time each week for stargazing with a friend or your family. It’s an investment that pays off in knowledge and a greater sense of where we are in the cosmos. No matter where you live, yes — even in a light-polluted city —you can find something the sky worth searching out to observe. Some folks love the Moon. Others look for the planets, or try to spot as many constellations as they can. It’s a little thing to do each night, but it connects you back to the cosmos from which you came.