Far Out: Space Probes as Landscape Photographers

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, NY Institute of the Humanities, NYU; Author, Mr. Wilson's Cabinet of Wonder

and by video and phone:
Arthur C. Clarke—prolific science fiction writer; author of 2001: A Space Odyssey

Host & Moderator

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

Cosponsored by the Institute of the Humanities at NYU.