How Can Astronomers Communicate Effectively With Public Audiences? - May 13, 2026
Includes a Live Web Event on 05/13/2026 at 11:00 AM (PDT)
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Register
- Early bird pricing available!
- Non-member - $35
- Member - $35
- Regular Price after 03/13/2026 11:59 PM
- Non-member - $40
- Member - $40
Develop practical communication skills for engaging public audiences in astronomy through dialogue, reflection, and audience-centered outreach strategies. Based on the National Science Foundation funded Portal to the Public framework.
When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 11am - 1pm PT / 2pm - 4pm ET.
Registration: $35 Early Bird Registration through April 13, 2026, $40 Regular Registration through May 13, 2026.
This 2 hour interactive professional development workshop supports professional and amateur astronomers in building effective communication skills for public engagement and outreach. Participants explore how people learn astronomy in informal settings such as star parties, public observing nights, planetariums, museums, and community events.
Through guided reflection, discussion, and interactive activities, participants examine how audiences connect new concepts to prior knowledge and lived experience. The workshop emphasizes strategies for two-way dialogue, audience-centered communication, and inclusive engagement practices that move beyond one-way information delivery.
Participants will leave with practical techniques for communicating astronomy clearly, responsively, and meaningfully with diverse public audiences. Resources and relevant links for further learning will also be shared.
Registrants may earn a certificate of completion for participating in 2 clock hours of professional development.
Attendance/Refund Policy
Live attendance is strongly encouraged and expected in order to get the most out of the interactive session. A recording will be available for those who cannot attend live or who would like to review the content. Full refund is available for cancellations up to 14 days prior to the start of the workshop. If you need to cancel please email learn@astrosociety.org.
Tony Smith
Online Learning Program Manager
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Tony Smith is the Online Learning Program Manager at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Tony has worked in informal science education since 2011 at various Pacific Northwest science centers and prior to joining the ASP managed the J. Watumull Planetarium at Bishop Museum in Honolulu, HI. In addition to the ASP, Tony also works part time at the Washington State University Planetarium and volunteers at the Palouse Discovery Science Center in Pullman, WA where he lives. Tony is passionate about science education and uses an interactive presentation style, asking for observations and input from the audience throughout his presentations.
