Explore Alliance Ambassadors - J. Kelly Beatty

Madera, CA USA

 

J. Kelly Beatty is an award-winning science journalist and astronomer. During the 1980s he was among the first Western journalists to gain direct access to the Soviet space program.

Kelly is a former Senior Editor of Sky & Telescope magazine (serving over 40 years), and former editor of Night Sky magazine. Now retired from the magazine, he remains actively involved in many Sky & Telescope articles, tours, and other projects. Kelly is also involved in his personal pursuit of protecting night skies and his projects to inform the public about astronomy. 

He holds a Bachelors degree in geology from the California Institute of Technology and a Master's degree in science journalism from Boston University. He also taught astronomy for six years at the Dexter Southfield School in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Specializing in planetary science and space exploration, Kelly conceived and edited The New Solar System, considered a standard reference among planetary scientists. 

Kelly Beatty often is a featured speaker, and enjoys giving talks to audiences of all ages to share his knowledge and passion for astronomy. He regularly gives interviews and guest commentaries on The Weather Channel and National Public Radio, and has contributed to other magazines, newspapers, and encyclopedias. Beatty is an active astronomer with an impressive collection of telescopes, and he is a champion in the fight against light pollution with the International Dark Sky Association. 

Kelly has been honored twice by the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) of the American Astronomical Society. In 2005 he received the Harold Masursky Award for meritorious service, and in 2009 he was honored with the inaugural Jonathan Eberhart Journalism Award. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Astronomical League Award (in 2006) for his contributions to the science of astronomy and the American Geophysical Union's Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism (2009).

Asteroid 2925 Beatty was named on the occasion of his marriage in 1983, and in 1986 he was chosen one of the 100 semifinalists for NASA's Journalist in Space program.

• TBA

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