European Astronomy Journalism Prize 2014 launches

19 Aug 2014 11:54 AM

European astronomy journalists can win a trip to the ESO telescope facilities in Chile with the launch of the European Astronomy Journalism Prize 2014. 

This marks the third successive year for this popular award for journalists, as well as students of journalism and astronomy. Run by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO), in conjunction with the Association of British Science Writers and the Royal Astronomical Society, the aim of the competition is to celebrate the outstanding coverage of astronomy and in particular work that enthuses the audience of the importance of astronomy.

STFC Head of Communications Terry O’Connor said: “We’re delighted to work with ESO once again, and to offer the winner a trip to the largest astronomical project in existence, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. This is a rare and fantastic opportunity for anyone who is fascinated by astronomy. Last year’s entries were a privilege to read and judge as the standards were so outstandingly high. I was thrilled to see how much enthusiasm and quality coverage had been achieved last year, so I am really looking forward to seeing this year’s entries.”

ALMA is located 5000 metres above sea level in the Atacama Desert, on the high-altitude Chajnantor Plain, in Northern Chile. Comprising fifty 12 metre antennae plus a compact array of sixteen antennae it will allow astronomers to observe and image with unprecedented clarity the enigmatic cold regions of the universe.

Entries for the Prize must be about astronomy and related areas of technology, or about the work and lifestyles of astronomers, engineers or others working in the field of astronomy.

The entries must reflect European interests and they can be online, written or broadcast.

Entries must have been published or broadcast during the period 1 August 2014 to 28 November 2014 inclusive. Applications close on Friday 28 November 2014.

Entry is open to journalists, students of a recognised journalism course, students of a recognised qualification in astronomy, or holders of a recognised qualification in astronomy, whose work is published or broadcast and is accessible to the general public. You may be asked to provide proof of your status.

Please make sure that you have read all the terms and conditionscarefully.

Notes to editors

View the full details about the competition including a full set of terms and conditions that must be adhered to by those entering.

Images available

An image of the prize winner’s destination in Chile can be found alongside other images of the ALMA telescope on ESO’s website.

Contacts

Further information

European Southern Observatory

ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world’s most productive astronomical observatory. It is supported by 15 countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor.

ESO is the European partner of a revolutionary astronomical telescope ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence.. ALMA will allow astronomers to observe and image with unprecedented clarity the enigmatic cold regions of the universe. ALMA will be the foremost instrument for studying the cool universe, including the relic radiation of the Big Bang, and the molecular gas and dust that constitute stars, planetary systems and galaxies. It will detect and study the earliest and most distant galaxies and the epoch of the first light in the Universe. It will also look deep into the dust-obscured regions where stars are born to examine the details of star and planet formation. In addition to these, the array will make major contributions to virtually all fields of astronomical research.

ESO is currently planning the 39-metre European Extremely Large optical/near-infrared Telescope, the E-ELT, which will become “the world’s biggest eye on the sky”.

Royal Astronomical Society

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organises scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 3500 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.

Association of British Science Writers