The CosmoQuest team at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville kicked off a 36-day fundraiser April 26-27 with a 36-hour Google Hangout-on-Air broadcast. This “Hangoutathon” raised more than $24,000.
CosmoQuest is a virtual research facility that allows the public to aid researchers mapping the solar system using NASA imagery in an environment rich with learning opportunities. Dr. Pamela L. Gay, SIUE STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Center assistant research professor, directs this second-generation citizen science facility.
During the Hangoutathon, CosmoQuest launched a new online astronomy content repository for teachers called Explore@CosmoQuest. They also announced the construction of a new citizen science project, Planet Mappers: Mars, to map out the red planet’s smallest craters.
Funds raised during the Hangoutathon and subsequent 36-day fundraiser support CosmoQuest’s ability to expand its suite of tools for engaging people in space science.
Drs. Gay and Nicole Gugliucci, a post-doctoral fellow in the STEM Center, hosted the 36-hour event. Their guests included scientists, authors, leaders in commercial space, podcasters and science-inspired artists who all share a love of astronomy.
Notable guests were Planetary Resources CEO Chris Lewicki, iTelescope Science Advisor Peter Lake and television host Geoff Notkins of Meteorite Men and STEM Journals.
All funds raised during the event were donated to CosmoQuest through the SIUE Foundation. It will be used to support the continuing research, citizen outreach, and education efforts of the CosmoQuest team.
“The median donation was just $30,” said Gay. “This fundraiser truly shows the size of our community and their willingness to support us. Donations have come from a variety of donors, including individuals, small businesses and corporations. So far, support has come from sources spanning 20 different nations.”
The need for the fundraiser was precipitated in part by increasingly tight budgets for science research and education. CosmoQuest’s goal is to provide a cost-effective answer for sustaining science through a model of using volunteers to fill the roles previously held by astronomy and space science students. This serves the double duty of providing needed aid to scientists, while also helping to increase the general public’s science literacy.
This 36-hour plus 36-day fundraiser is on track to harness the power of crowd funding to maintain and grow SIUE science outreach programs.
Those wishing to give may do so through PayPal at: http://bit.ly/1gVAtOy
Photo: SIUE STEM Center Assistant Research Professor Dr. Pamela L. Gay