The Conference on Archaeoastronomy of the American Southwest (CAASW) awards is a showcase for the best in American Southwest archaeoastronomy.

The purpose of the CAASW is to advance the study and practice of archaeoastronomy of the American Southwest in all its aspects, and by the granting of awards for excellence and/or initiative. The CAASW is committed to recognizing significant contributions to knowledge and the importance of research, professional standards and excellence in the study of archaeoastronomy, effective dissemination and presentation of archaeoastronomical knowledge, and innovation and originality of approach.

2009 Distinguished Service in American Southwest Archaeoastronomy

This award is made in recognition of a scholar who has made distinguished contributions to archaeoastronomy of the American Southwest through his or her fieldwork, publications, teaching, and involvement in professional organizations.

We are pleased to advise that Stephen McCluskey, PhD, Professor Emeritus, West Virginia University, was selected as the first recipient of the Distinguished Service in American Southwest Archaeoastronomy award. His work on Hopi sun watching practices and their calendar is a significant and distinguished contribution to the understanding of archaeoastronomy of the American Southwest.  In addition, his involvement in professional astronomical organizations (Oxford Conferences, ISAAC, the American Astronomical Society Working Group on the Preservation of Astronomical Heritage) has greatly expanded the recognition and professionalism of the field of archaeoastronomy.

The photo shows Dr. McCluskey (left) receiving the award from Conference Co-Chair Dr. Todd Bostwick (right).

2010 Lifetime Achievement Award in Archaeoastronomy of the American Southwest

During the 2010 Archaeoastronomy in the Field Workshop, the conference organizers presented a Lifetime Achievement Award in archaeoastronomy research in the American Southwest to Dr. J. McKim (Kim) Malville, Professor of Astronomy at University of Colorado-Boulder. Dr. Malville, who has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for his work on solar physics, has been conducting archaeoastronomy research for more than 20 years and is the author of the book, A Guide to Prehistoric Astronomy in the Southwest (2008). A part of his ongoing mission to ensure that archaeoastronomy is conducted as a scientific endeaver, Dr. Malville presented a paper at the workshop titled "The Seven Deadly Sins of Archaeoastronomy."

The photo shows Dr. Malville (right) receiving the award from Conference Co-Chair Dr. Todd Bostwick.