More Cosmic Gift Ideas

Connect with a Mars Mission

What could be more intriguing than naming a Mars crater on a map that actual Mars explorers may one day use? That’s the idea behind Uwingu.com’s project to help fund astronomy and space science research and education by inviting people to spend a few dollars on a Mars crater name.

Not only do you get to name a crater after yourself or a loved one or friend, but your money nurtures the kind of science and education that needs to be done for such a mission to occur. Uwingu has a database of hundreds of thousands of craters that are waiting to be named. Prices for naming craters begin at $5.00.  They’re a fascinating gift for the upcoming holidays, or to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion.

The Mars One mission planners have already committed to using this map when they send their first Marsnauts to the Red Planet. The reasoning behind the names is simple:  it’s best to name things in advance so that mission planners and astronauts are all talking on the same page as they relay their information back and forth. Of course, there are already some named craters on the Red Planet, but the vast majority of the craters Uwingu is offering remain unnamed. So, if you have a hard-buy-for giftee on your list, think about a Mars crater name. It’s a great thing to do and your money helps move science research and education forward.

A Telescope for Beginners and Seasoned Amateurs Alike

Normally I don’t like to blindly recommend a telescope without talking to people about what they’d like to observe. My most often-made recommendation is that people start out by first learning the sky “naked eye”, then use binoculars to spy out favorite objects. THEN, after they’ve got some skygazing under their belts, I can talk to them about what telescope to get. That advice is still true, and I highly recommend a thorough “vetting” process before getting a scope. But, I understand that the holidays are a special case of “I REALLY want a scope for my child/spouse/friend/self”-itis, so let me make a recommendation that will not only help YOU get a good scope, but your purchase helps a worthy organization.

I’m talking about the group called Astronomers Without Borders, which does astronomy outreach around the world. I got to know its President and CEO Mike Simmons during an astronomy education conference in Warsaw, Poland last year, and we had plenty of time to chat about outreach and the importance of astronomy knowledge.

Mike wrote to me to let me know about a cool new telescope the group has available.  They have partnered with Celestron to offer one of the best telescopes for beginners (as reviewed by both Astronomy and Sky & Telescope magazines) that also works as a quick “grab and go” scope for advanced amateurs. It retails for $199.99, with a portion of the sales price going to the organization to further its astronomy outreach and education efforts.

You can get more details about the scope here, and I know that if you get one, you’ll be helping not just yourself, but others who may never have had a chance to study the sky. It’s a win-win all the way around!

I know it can be tough to find perfect gifts for astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts, so I’ll keep an eye out for other great ideas this holiday season — and beyond.