About Launch Pad ...

When: July 30-August 5 2008
Where: Laramie, Wyoming (map)
Cost: No fee. Room and some meals provided. Travel stipends are also available.
Who: 12 attendees selected by the workshop instructors.

Launch Pad is a NASA-funded education/public outreach effort supplementing Mike Brotherton's space-based astronomical research.  Our budget allows us to provide a workshop that is essentially free to participants.  Our primary goal is to teach writers of all types about modern science, specifically astronomy, and in turn reach their audiences.  We hope to both educate the public and reach the next generation of scientists. Therefore selection will be based in part on audience size as demonstrated through print runs, downloads, or sales figures when available.  Secondary considerations will include the content and potential of applicant work -- to what extent science in general and astronomy in particular are likely to be a significant factor in their future publications.  Applicants should address these points when they apply.  Several slots will be reserved for the strongest minority/female applicants who may have additional promise in reaching groups less represented in both the physical sciences and hard science fiction.

We will provide lodging in local hotels with easy access to both downtown Laramie and the University campus where most Launch Pad activities will transpire.  Daily snacks, coffee, and lunch will be provided as part of the NASA-funded program. Participants will receive a college-level introductory astronomy textbook to take home with them after workshop.

Participants will generally be on their own for dinner.  Downtown restaurants provide a range of cuisines from vegetarian to carnivore.

There may be additional funding available to apply toward participant travel where justified.  Please request travel support in the application form if desired.

This year's guest instructor is Jerry Oltion, amateur astronomer and science fiction author. Other lecturers include University of Wyoming professor and author Michael S. Brotherton, PhD.

The deadline for applying is March 31st! If you are interested in attending, click Apply to Attend and fill out the form. Selected attendees will be notified by April 15th.