Astronauts, Scientists, Cultural Thought Leaders to Announce Formation of the Overview Institute
Experts Believe a View from Space May be Key to Solving Problems
Here on Earth
RALEIGH, N.C.--(Business Wire)--
More than 20 renowned experts in the fields of space, science,
media, and humanitarian services have joined forces to raise public
awareness of the Overview Effect, a term used to describe the
experience astronauts have when seeing Earth firsthand from outer
space, and the resulting sense of unification that is brought on by
this unique perspective. On May 31st, at the National Space Society's
annual conference in Washington, D.C., these individuals, formally
known as The Overview Group, will issue a joint declaration calling
for the formation of an Overview Institute to promote awareness of the
Overview Effect. The potential cultural impact of the Overview Effect
is expected to become increasingly significant as space tourism
begins.
The presentation will take place at the Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001
16th Street NW, Washington, DC, in the Presidential Ballroom at 3:00
PM. The media is invited to attend this pivotal event. Contact Ian
Murphy at ian.murphy@nss.org or (310) 689-6397 for media credentials
for the conference.
The Overview Group includes: Dr. Edgar Mitchell (Apollo Astronaut,
sixth man on the moon), Dr. Barbara Marx Hubbard (author and President
of the Foundation for Conscious Evolution), Frank White (author of The
Overview Effect), Douglas Trumbull (Oscar Award-winning Special
Effects Supervisor of 2001: A Space Odyssey), Dan Curry (Emmy
Award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor for Star Trek), and George
Whitesides (Executive Director of the National Space Society). A panel
composed of several Group members will make the presentation. The
moderator will be Keith Ferrell, a member of the Overview Group, and
former Editor of Omni Magazine.
Interviews with the Overview Group can be scheduled immediately
after the announcement. The media contact for this presentation is
David Beaver, 919-271-6605.
The Overview Effect is a phrase coined in the book of the same
name by space philosopher Frank White. In his book, White conducted
numerous interviews with astronauts who said that from space the
boundaries that divide nations on Earth cease to exist, the frailty of
the Earth's atmosphere becomes evident, and they experience a clear
sense of the need for all of us to come together to resolve our
interpersonal conflicts and protect the Earth's environment.
Until now, astronauts have been the only people to gain this
illuminating perspective. The Overview Group cites two recent advances
in technology that will communicate this experience to a greater
number of people. The first is the advent of space tourism, which will
soon begin taking tens of thousands of people into space, giving them
the opportunity to experience the Overview Effect firsthand.
The second is the rapid maturation of HD digital media, 3-D
simulations and virtual reality. These new technologies will soon give
Earthbound audiences a taste of the space experience and bring the
Overview Effect to millions. The Overview Group intends to promote the
use of all forms of media and simulations to foster a perceptual
change in the public to that of a global perspective. Their hope is
that this will bring about positive changes for the entire planet.
In his book, White writes, "The experience of the Earth as a
unified whole is a powerful one...not (just) to space fliers alone,
but to all of humanity. Now the question is, 'How can larger numbers
of people get that message?' There are two ways...One is the
transportation-oriented approach of taking more people into space,
which is what...the embryonic space tourism industry propose(s) to do.
The other is the communication-oriented approach of replicating the
experience in various forms, and diffusing it around the planet."
The event will feature an HD Earth and Space visualization and a
Q&A session with members of The Overview Group. The Group is issuing
an invitation to leaders in the areas of Space, Cognitive Science,
Media, and Humanitarian Services to join the work of the Overview
Institute. For more information, visit www.overviewinstitute.org
This event is being produced by The World Space Center.
Complete List of the Overview Group:
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David Beaver Ray Idaszak Mike Simmons
Dan Curry Kevin Kelley Doug Trumbull
Carter Emmart Jeff Krukin Rick Tumlinson
Keith Ferrell Alan Ladwig Frank White
Roger Harris David McConville George Whitesides
Alex Howerton Edgar Mitchell Loretta Whitesides
Barbara Marx Hubbard Andrew Newberg
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About The World Space Center
The World Space Center is a nonprofit organization which serves as
a communication and resource portal for citizen interest and
involvement in space travel, with special emphasis on how the
expansion of society into space will bring much-needed global
perspective and insight into our Earth-based lives and culture.
World Space Center
David Beaver, 919-271-6605
dbeaver@worldspacecenter.org
Copyright Business Wire 2008
