Well, I’m pretty speechless.
When I first started delivering virtual planetarium shows to Brownie groups back in the lockdown of January 2021, I never expected how popular they would be. Seventy shows and more than 1400 girls later, I’m still getting requests. Not at the level I did during the pandemic, since groups have returned to meeting in-person, but I’m still delivering shows to groups (and schools!) I could never visit physically because of the distance, and having a lot of fun doing it.
I’m astonished to say that in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list published today I have been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Girlguiding during the Covid-19 pandemic, in recognition of my efforts to help girls earn their Space interest badges during the pandemic, and for being a role model showing girls that science is fun and that they can be scientists if they want to be.
I don’t know who it was that nominated me for this, but a HUGE thank you to whoever it was! It is always a real pleasure to talk with enthusiastic groups about astronomy and share my passion with them, and that is a brilliant reward in itself. The questions asked by all the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers I have spoken to over the last year and a half have been brilliant, and it’s been such fun answering them all!
If you want a show for your class or group, just fill in the form here – all you need is a laptop, projector, and a wall or screen to project me on to!
Well deserved Dr. Megan, and nicely done!
That is such a well deserved honour – Well done Megan!
Well deserved recognition for a fantastic astronomer doing amazing work
Well done Megan Well deserved , nothing more important than inspiring the next generation
Truly delighted for you!
Amazing! Congratulations and well deserved.