Awards

Walter Goodacre Medal and Gift

This award … is the senior award made by the Association. …Normally awarded at intervals of not less than two years and not more than four years since the last award.

The award shall be given in recognition of the recipient’s contribution to the progress of astronomy over many years, special regard being had to his or her work communicated to the Association, this work being communicated in any form, and not necessarily in writing, provided that the recipient is a member of at least five years standing in the Association at the date of the Annual General Meeting in the year of the award.

Steavenson Award

This shall be awarded to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to observational astronomy.

Horace Dall Medal and Gift

The award shall be made to a person, whether or not a member of the Association, who has shown marked ability in the making of Astronomical Instruments. If two or more people have been jointly concerned in a particular work then each person may receive a medal and gift.

Merlin Medal and Gift

This award shall be made in recognition of a notable contribution to the advancement of astronomy. If two or more persons have been jointly concerned in any particular work, a joint award may be made, in which case each recipient shall receive a medal and gift.

Lydia Brown Medal and Gift

This award shall be in recognition of meritorious service to the Association in an honorary capacity over many years on grounds which would not qualify a nominee for either the Walter Goodacre or Merlin Awards. If two or more persons have been jointly concerned in any particular work, a joint award may be made, in which case each recipient shall receive a medal and gift.

Sir Patrick Moore Prize

The award consists of £500 plus one year’ free membership of the BAA, and may be awarded to members, non-members, and to societies and schools, for one of the following areas of activity:

1. The encouragement of a public interest in astronomy.
2. A contribution to the understanding of the history of astronomy.
3. Outstanding observational work by a member or members under 21 years of age.
4. The encouragement of participation in observational astronomy by youngsters.
5. The carrying out of a collaborative research project, whether between amateurs only or also involving professional astronomers.

Cicely Botley Prize

The Cicely Botley Prize of a book token for £100 may be awarded to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to one of the Association’s publications, to include all types of media, including print, video and on-line. 2022 was the first year that nominations have been sought for the Cicely Botley Prize