Last week, I was nominated by a friend, Waddell Robey, for a Shorty Award in the #education category.  For a couple of days, others followed his lead and I made a short, fun run in the top ten.  I was even in second place at one point.  But, as is the case with so many things, the initial buzz died down and I am now somewhere around 15th place.

Of course, I’ve never had any illusions of winning a Shorty Award.  In fact, I am completely (but pleasantly) surprised for the votes that I have received.  There are so many others far more deserving than I, and I do hope that their work is acknowledged with an award.  Nonetheless, I am grateful to those who have voted for me, and I am humbled by the recognition.

The truly exciting thing about all of this is not that I, Tavi Greiner, have been nominated for an award.  It is the fact that, in my nomination, astronomy outreach is being acknowledged as education!

So often, astronomy is misunderstood to be a hobby – as simply playing with telescopes or looking at the moon.  But, astronomy is much more than merely turning our gaze skyward.  It is to gain a fundamental understanding of the truth of all other things – of life itself.  The more we learn about the world beyond our planet, the greater our capacity to affect the world in which we live.  So, when I encourage others to “look up”, I am not merely suggesting we “ooh” and “ahh” at the pretty stars, I am hoping to spark a curiosity to look beyond the beauty, to learn more about the what, why, and how.

I hadn’t thought to campaign for myself for a Shorty Award.  But, the thought of astronomy outreach being formally acknowledged as #education has me considering a serious run.  Imagine the new eyes that could be opened, the interest that could be triggered, the statement that would be made, should astronomy walk away with a Shorty Award.  Oh, the possibilities!

To those who’ve cast a vote my way: a sincere thank you – its great knowing that others are “looking up” with me!  To everyone who appreciates the significance of astronomy’s greater role in education: perhaps you’ll consider an #education vote for me, or even another astronomy-focused tweep.  You can also help to promote Space in other categories by casting votes for @flyingjenny and @NewburyAS in the #science category and a vote for @NASA in the #government category!