Dr. ZHENG Yongchun, an associate professor at National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences, is awarded Carl Sagan Medal for Excellence in Public Communication in Planetary Science on May 10, 2016.
Dr. ZHENG Yongchun,an associate professoratNational Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Image by AAS)
ZHENG wins this title for his tireless promotion of planetary sciences to the Chinese public and for his explanations of Chinese science to the western world, according to the American Astronomical Society (AAS). There have been 17 scientists receiving the prize since it was established in 1998.
Carl Sagan Medal for Excellence in Public Communication in Planetary Science is awarded annually (or less frequently) by the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) of the AAS. It is awarded to scientists whose efforts have significantly contributed to a public understanding of, and enthusiasm for, planetary science.
With expertise in lunar geochemistry and geology, Dr. ZHENG mainly focuses on the research on geology of lunar and planetary. He has unique perspective on research fields such as the soil of moon and the Mars, preparing for utilization of planetary resources, the environment of planetary surface, the scientific goal and future development strategy of lunar and deep space exploration, etc.
ZHENG developed China’s first lunar regolith simulant. As an investigator on Chang’e-1 and Chang’e-2, he has achieved microwave image of complete moon with high-resolution by analyzing detection data obtained from the lunar exploration program and discovered more than 200 areas of lunar thermal anomalies.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899 and based in Washington, DC, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America.
86-10-68597521 (day)
86-10-68597289 (night)
52 Sanlihe Rd., Xicheng District,
Beijing, China (100864)
Copyright © 2002 - Chinese Academy of Sciences
