Harlow Shapley once referred to Leslie C. Peltier as "the world's greatest living amateur astronomer." This was a view shared by all who knew him, or knew of him. During his active observing life, which spanned all, or parts of eight decades, he made over 132,000 observations of variable stars, discovered twelve comets and six novae.
He was author of three books: Starlight Nights (for which he was named Ohio Author of the Year in 1966), Guideposts to the Stars, and The Place on Jennings Creek. Many prominent astronomers today, such as David Levy, were greatly influenced and inspired by his work.
When Leslie Peltier died in 1980, it was felt that the Astronomical League should prepare a lasting tribute to this man who represented the best that our common avocation has to offer. A stranding resolution was passed at the 1980 League Convention in Dallas, Texas establishing the Leslie C. Peltier Award for significant contributions to observational astronomy. The award became a reality when Mr. John Diebel, president of Meade Instruments, agreed to sponsor it. The award consists of a 12" X 9" goldtone cast plate on a 15" X 12" walnut backing. It is a magnificent object to behold. Since 1980, there have been thirty recipients of the award. Names in blue or bold type are AAVSO members.
| Year | Winner | Contribution |
| 2017 | Rodney H. Howe | Solar astronomy |
| 2016 | Mike Reynolds | Popularization of astronomy and space sciences |
| 2015 | Arlo U. Landolt | Development of photometric stellar standards |
| 2014 | James H. Fox | Occultations, Planets, Variable Stars, PEP |
| 2013 | John E. Bortle | Comets, Variable Stars, development of Observing Aids |
| 2012 | Michael A. Simonsen | Variable Stars |
| 2011 | Arne A. Henden | Variable Stars |
| 2010 | Derald D. Nye | Solar, Minor Planet, General Astronomy |
| 2009 | Gerry Samolyk | Variable Stars |
| 2008 | Richard G. Hodgson | A.L.P.O. - Minor Planet Section |
| 2007 | Daniel M. Troiani | A.L.P.O. - Mars Section |
| 2006 | Elizabeth O. Waagen | Variable Stars |
| 2005 | Ed Grafton | CCD Planetary Astronomy |
| 2004 | Wayne P. Johnson | Extra Galactic Supernovae |
| 2003 | Paul Comba | Minor Planets |
| 2002 | Gene A. Hanson | Variable Stars |
| 2001 | Richard Berry | CCD & Telescopic Development |
| 2000 | Charles E. Scovil | Variable Star Astronomy, chart preparation |
| 1999 | William B. Albrecht | Variable Star Astronomy |
| 1998 | Roger Sinnott | General astronomy. Atlas preparation. |
| 1997 | Dennis di Cicco | Minor planets, lunar & planetary astronomy, general observational astronomy |
| 1996 | Edward G. Oravec | Variable star astronomy |
| 1995 | Ron Parmentier | General observational astronomy |
| 1994 | No award given | |
| 1993 | Janet A. Mattei | Variable star astronomy |
| 1992 | Don Parker | CCD astronomy, lunar & planetary astronomy |
| 1991 | Thomas A. Cragg | Variable Stars, lunar and planetary astronomy |
| 1990 | No award given | |
| 1989 | Peter L. Collins | Nova discovery |
| 1988 | David H. Levy | Variable stars, comet discoveries, general observational astronomy |
| 1987 | No Award Given | |
| 1986 | Russell M. Genet | Developments in photoelectric photometry |
| 1985 | Rev. Robert O. Evans | Supernova discoveries |
| 1984 | Walter Scott Houston | Variable stars, "Deep Sky Wonders" |
| 1983 | Clinton B. Ford | Variable stars, chart development |
| 1982 | Walter H. Haas | Lunar and planetary astronomy |
| 1981 | Edward A. Halbach | Variable stars, lunar occultations, artificial satellite programs |
| 1980 | Leslie C. Peltier | Variable stars, comet & nova discoveries, general observational astronomy. |
Bolded names indicate AAVSO member/observer |
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The Peltier Award Committee consists of three members; Dr. Roger Kolman (Chairman), Barry Beaman, and Russ Maxwell. Nominations and supporting evidence may be sent to the chairman for consideration. His address is:
Dr. Roger Kolman
279 South Milton Avenue
Glen Ellyn, IL 60138
E-mail: rskolman@yahoo.com
They must be received by no later than April 1 for eligibility for that year. The award is presented at the National Convention of the Astronomical League.