Messier Marathon 2023

Give to GLAS for 2023

In 2023 there are more ways to support GLAS Education than ever! To contribute to our STEM accessibility projects for students with disabilities, education programs, dark skies outreach, and much more please reach out to us and contribute in the following ways.

2022 By The Numbers:

9 Summer Interns, including 3 local students, working on projects from data accessibility to measuring carbon emissions.
8 dark sky sensors, designed by local students to measure light pollution around Geneva Lake.
2 American Astronomical Society workshops, bringing to the forefront of astronomy an essential understanding of the accessibility barriers in the field — and how to overcome them.
400 hours creating undergraduate astronomy curriculum accessible for blind and deaf students, in partnership with UNC—Chapel Hill.
and so much more!

So what’s ahead? More summer interns, working on astronomy research, accessibility, and dark skies initiatives. Expanded accessibility work, including a grant proposal to bring together researchers in data accessibility. Presentations at local libraries and community centers, bringing the wonders of astronomy to everyone around us. And the Geneva Lake Water Quality project, engaging local students with environmental research in the waters of our own Geneva Lake.

The 2023 Fundraiser

Last year’s Messier marathon and fundraiser brought in more than $10,000 to help support our mission! This year, a generous donor has given $25,000 in matching funds — so your support for local STEM programs and science accessibility will go twice as far! How can you help us reach that $25,000 goal? Pledge a dollar amount per Messier object, and you’ll receive a commemorative poster of all the objects we are able to image. 110 objects are possible — last year, we found 58. How much will you pledge per object? $1? $5? $10? Reach out and make your pledge today!