Dr. Stephen Maran is a senior advisor with the American Astronomical Society and a fellow of both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Royal Astronomical Society. He is an astronomer and author with 35 years experience at NASA, during which he was the assistant director of Space Science for Information and Outreach at the Goddard Space Flight Center. He is the author and editor of 12 books and over 100 popular articles on astronomy and space exploration, including Astronomy for Dummies (now in its fifth edition). Dr. Maran has been recognized with the NASA Medal for Exceptional Achievement and by the International Astronomical Union, which named Minor Planet 9768 Stephenmaran in his honor. He received the Astronomical Society of the Pacific's Klumpke-Roberts Award (1999) for outstanding contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy. And in 2008, the American Astronomical Society awarded him the George Van Biesbroeck Prize, which "honors a living individual for long-term extraordinary or unselfish service to astronomy." Dr. Maran is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Ian Ridpath is an internationally renowned writer on astronomy and space. He is editor of the authoritative
Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy and author of a widely used series of night sky guides for beginners, including
The Collins Stars and Planets Guide and
Collins Gem Stars. Ridpath is the recipient of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific's Klumpke-Roberts Award for outstanding contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy. He is based in London, England.
Mary McIntyre is an astronomer, astrophotographer, artist, and author. With a life-long interest in astronomy, McIntyre is passionate about astronomy outreach and ensuring inclusion for all in the joy of stargazing. She has appeared on BBCTV's
The Sky at Night and BBC Radio and is a cohost of
Comet Watch on Astronomy FM radio and
Space Oddities Live YouTube panel show. McIntyre is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, a member of the British Astronomical Association, and is on the council of the Society for Popular Astronomy. In 2021, she was awarded the Sir Patrick Moore Prize by the British Astronomical Association for contributions to astronomy outreach. McIntyre is based near Oxford, England.
Rachel Federman is a writer, environmental activist, and nonprofit consultant who has written over 20 nonfiction books for adults and children, including
The Mindful Gardener in conjunction with the New York Botanical Gardens,
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood Activity Journal,
Test Your Dog's IQ, and
The Backyard Chicken-keeper's Bible. She lives in New York City.
