[X] My Assistant

[slinted]

This isn't really a Spirit only topic, but since she has been on Mars a bit longer, I'll give her the honor of this thread.

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/rovingmars/

January 27 release

[odave]

It didn't open in the Detroit area either Maybe they didn't think there'd be enough sales. But it is in Grand Rapids, which, for me, is at a distance that requires a day trip and associated long-haul child wranglers^H^H^H babysitters. I'll make the trip, though.

[ljk4-1]

Cornell, IMAX Go to Mars:

http://www.cornellsun.com/news/2006/01/31/...s-1545226.shtml

On the front page of the Cornell Daily Sun:

http://www.cornellsun.com/media/paper866/d...ts/y4z4y46z.pdf

[ljk4-1]

A review from Science Fiction Weekly:

"The new IMAX film Roving Mars does a good job at recapturing some of that euphoria, as seen through the eyes of those who created the rovers.

"Unfortunately, this film doesn't do as good a job at documenting the experience, or conveying the wonder that is Mars."

...

"The movie is based on a book by NASA's Steve Squyres, who also provides some of the hyper-enthusiastic narration (the rest of the narration tends towards the melodramatic, as does the score). Sadly, the script could have used some assistance: A big deal is made early on about how the initial parachute designs failed, but the film lacks follow-up on how, exactly, NASA solved this problem. Like the interviews, the footage—including that from the actual launch and landing—lacks a timestamp to provide context as to when these events occurred. And Spirit's early mechanical difficulties are glossed over entirely, even though that was a real-life dramatic moment at that time."

The complete review is here:

http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue458/screen3.html

[Shaka]

A review from Science Fiction Weekly:

"The new IMAX film Roving Mars does a good job at recapturing some of that euphoria, as seen through the eyes of those who created the rovers.

"Unfortunately, this film doesn't do as good a job at documenting the experience, or conveying the wonder that is Mars."
.

http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue458/screen3.html

I haven't seen the film, and won't anytime soon, since Hawaii's IMAX theater converted to a circus recently. I do get the impression from this thread that the film falls well short of conveying the full impact of what is happening on Mars. The excitement we in this forum feel, may not be reaching the broader public as it could and should! What percentage of the world's population will ever see an IMAX film? Is Imax the medium of choice for spreading the Gospel of Marsaphilia ? I think NASA, if it truly wants the world to get behind the colonization of the solar system, has both a duty and an opportunity to infect new generations with the 'bug' that infects us. We are some 600 enthusiasts. Why aren't we 600,000?. The internet does or will soon reach billions. That's why I think the full potential of this medium - right through to virtual reality - ought to be exploited by NASA as a major priority. Nothing lends itself to this effort better than the MER saga. Emily has broached this issue in her thread, but it shouldn't be left to We happy few, we band of brothers to foster this issue. It's time for NASA, and, indeed, space agencies around the world, to make a serious effort to move space exploration from a peripheral obsession of a fringe group, to a central focus of human aspirations. We 600 do have ideas, contacts, imagery, voices to help get the ball rolling. Perhaps we ought to try.

[mars loon]

We 600 do have ideas, contacts, imagery, voices to help get the ball rolling.  Perhaps we ought to try. 

Shaka,

this is precisely why I give lectures to all types of groups at schools, museums, colleges, astronomy clubs, science fairs, etc to educate the public and motivate kids to study math and science. NASA does need our support to get out the word. The budget climate is very tight and science funds are sadly being cut, including on the missions we here cherish. Several other UMSF members, like Doug, likewise give talks.

ken

[Shaka]

Shaka,

this is precisely why I give lectures to all types of groups at schools, museums, colleges, astronomy clubs, science fairs, etc to educate the public and motivate kids to study math and science.  NASA does need our support to get out the word.  The budget climate is very tight and science funds are sadly being cut, including on the missions we here cherish.  Several other UMSF members, like Doug, likewise give talks.

ken

And a fine effort it is, too, Ken. But look at your list of venues. You're preaching to the choir! We need to get the message through to everybody ! We need to reach the farmers and the sports jocks and the painters and musicians and writers. All 600 of us talking around the clock can't do that. The World Wide Web possibly can reach them, and if it can then maybe science funds won't be cut because our public will demand it. A lot of schoolteachers would be willing to direct their students to the website, because they're desperate to see their charges enthusiastic about anything! But it takes a big operation - like NASA - with a meaningful budget and the basic raw materials, to hire the professional media types to put this together. Emily and her colleague and the 600 of us are not enough to more than start it off.

[mars loon]

And a fine effort it is, too, Ken.  But look at your list of venues.  You're preaching to the choir!  We need to get the message through to everybody !  We need to reach the farmers and the sports jocks and the painters and musicians and writers.  All 600 of us talking around the clock can't do that.  The World Wide Web possibly can reach them, and if it can then maybe science funds won't be cut because our  public will demand it.  A lot of schoolteachers would be willing to direct their students to the website, because they're desperate to see their charges enthusiastic about anything! But it takes a big operation - like NASA - with a meaningful budget and the basic raw materials, to hire the professional media types to put this together.  Emily and her colleague and the 600 of us are not enough to more than start it off.

Actually I'm not preaching to the choir most of the time and do try to reach those you suggest. Your point is valid. And you'd be surprised at the diversity of opinions and lack of knowledge or understanding even within the astro community. There are those within this community who would kill a mission if it goes a bit over budget (without being specific). So things are not always that clear cut

Basically you have to start somewhere and try something and I also speak as a volunteer for TPS which has over 100,000 members.

Websites are helpful, but speaking in person to a crowd is I think much more effective and is a learning experience for me too.

As for NASA and communications efforts, that is complicated due to federal regulations as I have discussed with them.

[Shaka]

Actually I'm not preaching to the choir most of the time and do try to reach those you suggest.  Your point is valid.  And you'd be surprised at the diversity of opinions and lack of knowledge or understanding  even within the astro community.  There are those within this community who would kill a mission if it goes a bit over budget (without being specific).  So things are not always that clear cut 

Basically you have to start somewhere and try something and I also speak as a volunteer for TPS which has over 100,000 members.

Websites are helpful, but speaking in person to a crowd is I think much more effective and is a learning experience for me too. 

As for NASA and communications efforts, that is complicated due to federal regulations as I have discussed with them.

Ken, I agree with all your points insofar as I understand them (I'm unfamiliar with the "TPS" or the laws governing NASA's activities) I too have done more than my share of lecturing to audiences, from grade school classes to more Lions and Rotary Clubs than I care to remember (chicken, potatos, peas and sweet white wine...GOD!). The subject was Marine Biology, not space exploration, but the techniques and rewards are similar - people can be enthused about both. But you can only reach those who come to hear your lecture. The young students, like the university seniors I got paid to lecture to, were a captive audience, but they were truly open to inspiration - one shy 4th-grader paid me the ultimate compliment outside afterward:"I woulda paid 50 cents to hear it." But in all I only reached less than 1% of the local gradeschoolers in my 25 years in academia.
As to the "astro community", you probably know lots more about this than I do (you may be a member) but the cut-throat atitudes you imply are inevitable in a tightening budget scenario. The key is to reverse the scenario and that takes mass public support. People like us who are enthralled by space exploration are scorned and derided by a major segment of the public and the lawmakers. I want to see that scorn turned into nodding respect. We should use all the tools in the box to do that.

[mars loon]

I'm unfamiliar with the "TPS" or the laws governing NASA's activities.  I too have done more than my share of lecturing to audiences, from grade school classes to more Lions and Rotary Clubs than I care to remember (chicken, potatos, peas and sweet white wine...GOD!). 

The key is to reverse the scenario and that takes mass public support. 

TPS is the planetary society

anyway we are a bit off topic and I'm hoping to see Roving Mars soon at the nearest theater in NYC