Monday, October 20, 2003

The influence of a striking photograph on human emotions is not limited to traditional photo-journalism. Images of the Universe have unmatched power to place Earth, and our lives on it, into a humbling cosmic perspective. We gather a diverse panel to discuss and debate the role of planetary images on the art and politics of the human condition. Throughout the panel, selected images will be featured from the book Beyond: Visions of the Interplanetary Probes by Michael Benson.

Panelists:

• Michael Benson—Author of Beyond: Visions of the Interplanetary Probes
• Arthur C. Danto—Philosopher and art critic for The Nation
• Ann Druyan—Co-writer Cosmos, Co-Creator Contact, and CEO of Cosmos Studios
• Joel Meyerowitz—Photographer, Cape Light
• Bruce Murray—Chariman of the Board of Directors, The Planetary Society; Professor of Planetary Science, CalTech; Former Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab
• Lawrence Weschler—Director, New York Institute of the Humanities, NYU; Author, Mr. Wilson's Cabinet of Wonder
• Arthur C. Clarke—prolific science fiction writer; author of 2001: A Space Odyssey (by video and phone)

Host & Moderator:

• Neil deGrasse Tyson—Astrophysicist and The Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium.