Masursky Award
Encyclopedia
The Harold Masursky Award for Meritorious Service to Planetary Science, usually called the Masursky Award, is awarded annually by the Division for Planetary Sciences
(DPS) of the American Astronomical Society
. The award for Meritorious Service to Planetary Science was established by the DPS to recognize and honor individuals who have rendered outstanding service to planetary science and exploration through engineering, managerial, programmatic, or public service activities. For purposes of this award, planetary science and exploration refers to the multidisciplinary study of the solar system and its members, excluding work dealing primarily with the Sun
or the Earth
. It was named in honor of Harold Masursky
. The award has been given annually since 1991, except 2001, 2002, and 2009.
Division for Planetary Sciences
The Division for Planetary Sciences is a division within the American Astronomical Society devoted to solar system research. It was founded in 1968. The first organizing committee members were: Edward Anders, L. Branscomb, J. W. Chamberlain, R. Goody, J. S. Hall, A. Kliore, M. B. Elroy, Tobias...
(DPS) of the American Astronomical Society
American Astronomical Society
The American Astronomical Society is an American society of professional astronomers and other interested individuals, headquartered in Washington, DC...
. The award for Meritorious Service to Planetary Science was established by the DPS to recognize and honor individuals who have rendered outstanding service to planetary science and exploration through engineering, managerial, programmatic, or public service activities. For purposes of this award, planetary science and exploration refers to the multidisciplinary study of the solar system and its members, excluding work dealing primarily with the Sun
Sun
The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is almost perfectly spherical and consists of hot plasma interwoven with magnetic fields...
or the Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
. It was named in honor of Harold Masursky
Harold Masursky
Harold Masursky was an American geologist and astronomer.He started his career working for the US Geological Survey and later joined NASA as a senior science member. He was responsible for investigation of planetary and lunar surfaces, being interested in finding scientifically valuable landing...
. The award has been given annually since 1991, except 2001, 2002, and 2009.