Far Out Friday

Welcome once again, dear readers.  Last week I received an invitation to a live broadcast of the Far Out Friday lecture series from the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.  The broadcast was held at the International Year of Astronomy Amphiteater on Astronomy 2009 island.  The series is host to speakers from the field of science every first Friday of each month.  This time the speakers were Br. Guy Cosolmagno, Astronomer at the Vatican Observatory, and Scott Gaudi, Professor of Astronomy at Ohio State University.

The amphitheater at the IYA island is beautiful.  We sat on a grassy hill, covered by a translucent dome of blue with white stars on it.  The setting was perfect, and as the virtual sun set and the stars began to shine in the darkened sky I sincerely felt this was the right place to be for this event.

I was, however, surprised by the low number of avatars present.  How, I wondered, could it be that such a great event only garnered the interest of a dozen avatars or so?  Ourania Fizgig, manager of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 presence in Second Life and host of the event, explained that this was a 'soft opening' by invitation only, thus the low numbers.  She explained that future lectures will be advertised, and I expect the number of avies present will be greater.  I'll tell you something, I will certainly do my part to spread the word.

In real life Ourania Fizgig is Adrienne Gauthier, Industrial Designer and Technologist at the Steward Observatory, University of Arizona.  Along with Christopher Impey, Professor of Astronomy at the Steward Observatory, University of Arizona and Second Life resident Cosmo Priestman, Ourania worked with undergraduate students at UofA to create the History of Earth and Life on Earth Walking Exhibit in Second Life.  You can read more about this project at the EDUCAUSE Review website.

At the lecture Ourania was busy coordinating the real life event in Chicago with it's manifestation in Second Life while at the same time dealing with my incessant questions and shouts of excitement.  I certainly didn't make it easy on her.

Aside from a few technical challenges (good thing this was a 'soft opening'.... I guess Ourania knows what she's doing) I was very excited during the entire event.  It just blows my mind that I can be thousands of miles away from Chicago and still be able to enjoy and 'be present' at such an interesting lecture thanks to modern technology.  Not only that, the fact the lecture was being broadcast live in Second Life was emphasized from the beginning, giving me pleasure in and of itself, but during the q&a period following each lecture we were actually part of the live discussion!  I got to ask Br. Consolmagno about the Kepler mission (which happened to be launching the same evening) and what opinion or stance the Vatican has in regards to the implications finding extra-solar earthlike planets, and by extension life elsewhere in the universe, would have on humanity.  Want to know how he responded?  So do I.  Unfortunately I had difficulty understanding him clearly as the audio was a bit muffled and my real life ears are not as functional as they used to be, but the lectures will supposedly be available as vodcasts.

I want to make a point about my appreciation of modern technology, specifically for Second Life as a platform and tool, as well as about the work Ourania put into making this event a success.  The technology in and of itself is amazing, but worthless without hands to manipulate and control it.  People like Ourania, and various other individuals and organizations, who individually and collaboratively use this tool to provide anyone in the world (with a high-speed internet connection) with information and resources (and by extension power) are what keep me wanting to explore more of Second Life.  Thank you Ourania for making this event happen.

I encourage you to visit the Astronomy 2009 island as it is host to a wonderful exhibit dedicated to humanity's exploration of and appreciation for the heavens, and to come out on Friday, April 3rd,  for the next lecture in the Far Out Friday series at the Amphitheater located near the north-west corner of the island.  You'll probably see me there, whooping with excitement like a little boy looking at the moon through a telescope for the first time.

Remember, comments are greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Take care.

Pluton Karas

P.S:  A note on Ourania's name.  Ourania (or Urania) was a daughter of Zeus and one of the nine muses.  She was the muse of Astronomy.