Mike Simmons is an Affiliate Research Scientist of the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, and Founder of Astronomy for Equity.
A passionate amateur astronomer for over 40 years, Simmons is dedicated to sharing the wonders of the night sky. His outreach journey began in the early 1970s when he joined the Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS), where he served in various roles, including two terms as President and ten years on the Board of Directors. In 1976, Mike joined the staff at Griffith Observatory, operating the Zeiss 12-inch refracting telescope and introducing tens of thousands of visitors to the many facets of astronomy.
In the early 1980s, Mike played a pivotal role in founding the Mount Wilson Observatory Association (MWOA), a support organization focused on enhancing the visitor experience at the historic observatory. As the founding President, he also served on the Board of Trustees for nearly 20 years, helping to preserve and promote this iconic observatory.
Outreach
Mike's international outreach efforts took off in 1999 when he traveled to Iran for a total solar eclipse. He discovered a vibrant yet resource-limited astronomy community in Iran, inspiring him to return multiple times. In 2004, he led a group of Westerners to Iran to observe the Transit of Venus, sharing this rare event with hundreds of local amateur astronomers. In 2006, he journeyed to the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, bringing donated observing equipment to enthusiastic but isolated Kurdish astronomers. Through the internet, he has also supported amateur astronomers and educators across the globe.
Recognizing the unifying power of astronomy, Mike founded Astronomers Without Borders in 2006 to connect astronomy enthusiasts worldwide, transcending cultural differences through their shared passion. He served as President, leading the organization through numerous global outreach projects. A notable achievement was his leadership in the 100 Hours of Astronomy Cornerstone Project during the UN International Year of Astronomy 2009, the year's largest outreach initiative, spanning over 100 countries.
Since stepping down from Astronomers Without Borders in 2020, Mike has continued to focus on expanding access to astronomy. He is preparing to launch Astronomy for Equity, a nonprofit that aims to bring scientific opportunities to marginalized communities. He is also involved with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science as an Affiliate Research Scientist, and has co-founded AstroGear Today and OneSky Expeditions. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors of the International Dark Sky Association.
A writer and photographer, Mike has contributed to publications such as Scientific American, Astronomy, and Sky & Telescope, where he serves as a Contributing Editor. He frequently gives presentations in the United States and abroad, sharing his experiences and insights on how astronomy can foster international connections.
Mike is retired from a 36-year career as a biomedical researcher at UCLA's School of Medicine, but retirement has not slowed him down. He remains actively engaged in astronomy outreach, education, and advocacy, living with his wife in the Santa Monica Mountains, where he enjoys being a devoted grandfather.
Awards and Recognition
Minor Planet 22294 Simmons (1989 SC8) was named in his honor in 2003, with the citation reading:
"Michael S. Simmons (b. 1949) dedicated time and effort to organizing the Palomar Observatory's 1.2-m Schmidt Oschin Telescope plate archive. Among his many significant and varied astronomy outreach activities are several trips to Iran to promote friendship and amateur astronomy."
In 2005 Mike was presented with the Clifford W. Holmes Award, an honor given annually by RTMC for a "Major Contribution to Popularizing Astronomy." In 2009 Mike received the prestigious G. Bruce Blair Award given annually by the Western Amateur Astronomers for "Outstanding Contributions to Amateur Astronomy". Mike was also awarded the prestigious 2014 Gabrielle and Camille Flammarion Prize from the Société Astronomique de France (SAF) for “setting a worldwide example that astronomy does transcend political and cultural borders.”