Scott Roberts is a supporter of outreach in astronomy and space exploration, and a popularizer of amateur astronomy. Since the early 1980's he has consulted, participated in, and engineered star party events and telescope viewings to a broad audience.
Perhaps one of the most recognized individuals in the telescope manufacturing industry, Scott worked in various capacities with telescope maker Meade Instruments from 1986 to 2008, starting out as a Tech Support Representative and a Sales Manager. From 1992-98 Scott worked for Meade in Asia setting quality standards for small telescopes and accessories manufactured in Taiwan. Over the years, Scott held official positions as Senior Technical Sales Manager, Director of Technical Sales, Vice President and National Sales Manager for the U.S.A. and Canada, Vice President - Brand Community and Consumer Solutions, and Vice President - Global Client Support and Community Relations. Throughout his career at Meade, Scott supported the company in many areas including sales, off-shore supply chain quality management, e-commerce, web design, training, testing, Internet marketing, brand community marketing, trade show & community event management, and product design.
Scott was inspired by John Diebel, the founder of Meade Instruments, and his commitment to support the astronomical community's organizations, events, and individuals who were committed to public outreach in astronomy. In 2005 he formed and launched the Meade 4M Community, an alliance of astronomy and space exploration organizations and enthusiasts, with members spanning the globe, with Scott serving as its Executive Director.
In 2007 Scott contributed to the Astronomical Society of the Pacific's project "Science Educators Under the Stars" which resulted in a publication edited by Michael G. Gibbs, Marni Berendsen, and Martin Storksdieck. One of the first publications devoted to education and public outreach in astronomy by amateurs, the book illuminates the need for awareness of astronomy and science in general. Other contributors included outreach activists Terry Mann, David H. Levy, Tim Slater, Daniel Zevin, Judy Koke, Michael D. Reynolds, as well as the editors themselves.
Scott is an enthusiastic astronomer and astrophotographer. His most noted efforts in astrophotography were as part of the solar film crew with WGBH Boston's production of the NOVA (TV series) "Eclipse of the Century" that aired nationally on public television. During the July 1991 total eclipse of the sun, Scott simultaneously ran three equatorial mounts with 35mm motion picture cameras mounted on them, allowing the cameras to capture the "Diamond Ring" effect from the Observatory complex on the 14,000-foot summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. The footage produced by the solar team, directed by Boyd Estus (Academy Award-winning Director/Director of Photography noted for elegant work in 35mm, Super-16mm and 16mm film, and in video) revealed some of the highest-resolution motion picture images ever made of a total solar eclipse. "Eclipse of the Century" was the winner of the 1992 American Association for the Advancement of Science Science Journalism Award.
In April of 2000, Scott founded the AstronomyOutreach network to promote and support outreach enthusiasts, organizations, lecturers, clubs, and events for public awareness of astronomy. In 2003, Scott formed a committee with Dr. Michael D. Reynolds, Tippy D'Auria, Dr. Stephen J. Edberg for the AstronomyOutreach Award to recognize individuals and organizations for exemplary achievements in awareness of astronomy to the public at large. The awards ceremony is held each year at the Winter Star Party in the Florida Keys.
On November 16th, 2000 Carolyn S. Shoemaker and David H. Levy named an asteroid, 15779 Scottroberts in honor of Scott. The minor planet was discovered July 26th, 1993 by Carolyn and David at Palomar Observatory with the 18-inch Schmidt Camera. The certificate inscription reads: Named in honor of Scott Roberts (b. 1959), who for many years has encouraged amateur astronomers to pursue their love of the night sky, spending much time teaching people how to use and enjoy their telescopes.
In May of 2001, Scott received the Clifford W. Holmes Award during the 32nd Annual RTMC Astronomy Expo. In 2001 and 2002, Scott received The International Dark-Sky Association, Executive Director's Award, "In recognition of enthusiastic efforts in the pursuit of the promotion of Dark Skies".
In 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 Scott was accepted into the Solar System Ambassadors Program, a public outreach program to inform the public about the space exploration, discoveries, and missions of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA.
On July 4th, 2005 the BBC's The Sky at Night astronomy program presented by Sir Patrick Moore and Chris Lintott chronicled the impact of Comet 9P/Tempel by the Deep Impact space mission from Palomar Observatory. The program, "Fallout from Deep Impact", documented the professional and amateur astronomers observations from Palomar, including Scott's interpretations as the small team of amateur astronomers visually and photographically observed the moment of the space probe's explosion on the comet's surface.
Scott is also on the board of directors of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the National Sharing the Sky Foundation.
Scott is the father of four children and lives with his wife in Orange County, California.
