Planet Hunter Kian awarded the Chambliss Prize
Congratulations to Planet Hunter Kian Jek, who just received the Chambliss Amateur Achievement Award! This is the premiere award for amateur astronomers presented by the American Astronomical Society – and we think it is highly deserved. Many of you know Kian, who works tirelessly on the site and to a large part is responsible for the dramatic success of Planet Hunters. He not only plays a leading role in hunting down planets, but has been responsible as well for much of the work on variable stars that the project has produced. This award is a suitable acknowledgement of his contributions, and we hope it also serves as recognition for all of the Planet Hunters by the American Astronomical Society. When solicited for a comment on the 42 new candidates in the latest Planet Hunters paper, co-author Kian (his third paper!) wrote:
“As someone who grew up with the Apollo moon landings, whose childhood imagination was fired by Kubrick’s 2001 and the original Star Trek, I never had any doubt that planets around other stars existed and that one day we would discover them. But I never dreamed that we would find them in my lifetime, let alone being involved in their discovery. Although there are over 700 discovered since 1996, each new planet opens another door to a strange alien world, some of them we could not even imagine could exist. Planethunters is an exciting project that allows citizens and scientists participate in pushing the final frontier ever slightly further.”
Planet Hunters 
Excellent! congrats!
Kian Jek has been with Planet Hunters from the beginning and from the start has always offered his insights to help Talk members, like myself, look deeper into the Kepler light curves. His planetary calculator is only one of a host of great tools shared with members over the last couple of years.
http://www.kianjin.com/pcalc.html
What most impresses me about Kian is that he is a team player and wants the entire PH Talk team to succeed. Well done Kian and thank you for mentoring us along the path to some awesome Planet Hunters discoveries.
Congratulations Kian! A highly deserved recognition for your work.
Well deserved Kian. Kudos.
No doubt every planet hunter will know of, or in some way be aware of your relentless dedication, outstanding knowledge and tireless input. Since day one you’ve been the constant of discovery and an inspiration to us all. And you absolutely deserve this, Congratulations Kian.
Congrats Kian!!
good job Kain
Felix Homogratus, Dimitri Chavkerov Rules! You pay us we post good about us!!