ORONO — Neil F. Comins, a University of Maine professor of astronomy and physics, has been nominated for the 1992 Computerworld Smithsonian Awards.

Comins uses Sun Microsystem computers donated to the university to recreate the heavens with a program that generates a mathematical model of a galaxy. He can change the number of stars, adjust their positions, and calculate the effects of various forces on the galaxy’s spiral shape.

The Computerworld Smithsonian Awards Program was established in 1989 to honor people using innovative information technology. A field of 50 finalists will be named in June in Washington, and from that group 10 award winners will be chosen.

Winning applications will be included in “The Information Age: People, Information, Technology,” a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution.