WALTER SCOTT HOUSTON AWARD of the North East Region of the
Astronomical League (NERAL)

In Recognition of over 40 years of service to amateur and professional astronomy
as a Regular Contributor to the worldwide Astronomical Calendar and the Farmers Almanac publications,
as Author of two books on The Solar Eclipses of 1991 and 1992, and the award-winning article ‘Shades of Glory,’
his columns for ‘Natural History Magazine’s ‘Skylog,’ Space.com’s ‘Night Sky Friday’ & NY Times ‘Skywatch,’
his legacy of work in Astronomy Education, as an often-sought lecturer and astronomy answer-line man 
for the Hayden Planetarium in NYC,
his Promotion of the Art of Observing with his stargazing programs at Mohonk Mountain House
and Star Interpretation Sessions at Caumsett State Park and Putnam Valley Parks & Recreation’s Sunset Series,
his years of service as Past President and Life Member of the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York,
and in particular his many years of outstanding work in Astronomy Awareness in the Broadcast Media 
first as a radio announcer and later as on-camera Meteorologist for Cablevision’s News 12 Westchester
educating the public about Comets, Meteors, Solar Phenomena and Light Pollution, 
we hereby present this Award to

Meteorologist Joe Rao

Presented this day, August 15, 2009 at Stellafane
In fond remembrance of Deep Sky Observer, 
Science Writer and ATM Historian,
Walter Scott Houston.