A press release from the American Astronomical Society (AAS) on Feb. 1, 2024 named 21 members as new Fellows – including Dr. Larry Lebofsky, a board member of the board of the Vatican Observatory Foundation! This honor is bestowed upon less than 0.5% of AAS’s membership each year. Congratulations Larry!
Larry Lebofsky (Planetary Science Institute): For pioneering research in small-body astrometry and spectroscopy, service to the astronomical community, and a long history of dedication to education and public engagement, particularly with adult trainers of the Girl Scouts of the USA through JWST/NIRCam’s education program.
About Larry Lebofsky
Larry has been a member of the board of the Vatican Observatory Foundation for more than three years; he’s also an active astronomer, and regularly does observing runs at the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, observing Near-Earth Asteroids. Larry’s been doing public outreach with VOF staff for nearly a decade; he’s a regular at the VOF table at the Tucson Festival of Books, and presented a hands-on meteorite lab at several of the VOF Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education (ACME) Workshops.
Larry’s Meteorite Lab
For his meteorite lab at most recent ACME Workshop, Larry gave everyone a different type of chocolate candy bar – some cut, some not. Larry asked you to write-down a description of what you were seeing, trying not to use any prior knowledge of the candy bar. (I liken this this to something my wife did in her classroom: trying to describe the process of making a peanut butter & jelly sandwich to an alien, who takes things very literally.) A moment of hilarity was had when one of the attendees said she was a materials analyst at VERY high-tech company! Her description of the candy bar’s internal structure was amazing!
Larry then gave each attendee a container containing various Earth rocks, a meteorite, a tektite, a Saffordite, a magnet and a magnifying glass – everyone was asked to examine the rocks, and separate them “from Earth” and “not from Earth” piles – Larry then went over what each of the rocks was. I’m usually pretty good at doing this, but he always has at least one rock that throws me for a loop!
At the end of the lab, Larry had everyone take out their cell phone and turn their lights on – he then had us put the Saffordite on the light, and it lit-up! I was not expecting that; there were a lot of “WOWS!” Each attendee also got to take home a small meteorite lab kit!
Read Larry’s Posts:
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Astronomy & Space Science Education & Public Outreach Newsletter – April 2026, Part 1
Dr. Larry Lebofsky discusses a wide range of astronomy and space science news in his twice-a-month newsletter.
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Astronomy & Space Science Education & Public Outreach Newsletter – March 2026, Part 2
Dr. Larry Lebofsky discusses a wide range of astronomy and space science news in his twice-a-month newsletter.
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Astronomy & Space Science Education & Public Outreach Newsletter – March 2026, Part 1b
Dr. Larry Lebofsky discusses a wide range of astronomy and space science news in his twice-a-month newsletter.
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Astronomy & Space Science Education & Public Outreach Newsletter – March 2026, Part 1a
Dr. Larry Lebofsky discusses the total lunar eclipse happening tonight in his twice-a-month astronomy and space science newsletter.
About The American Astronomical Society
The American Astronomical Society exists to enable astronomical research and the communication of its discoveries to professionals and to the public. Currently, the AAS has communication of its discoveries to professionals and to the public. Currently, the AAS has more than 8,000 members, publishes the premier astronomy journals, organizes meetings more than 8,000 members, publishes the premier astronomy journals, organizes meetings attended by thousands of its members, and represents the voice of astronomy to all. attended by thousands of its members, and represents the voice of astronomy to all. – from the AAS Strategic Plan
