Hubble at the Stanback

Russ Werneth, The Hubble's "Fix-It Guy"

The former Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Manager for EVA (that's NASA-speak for Extra Vehicular Activity, or "spacewalk"), Russell L. Werneth, was at SCSU's IP Stanback Museum and Planetarium recently helping in the installation of the exhibition Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe, which begins with a recepton Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 6PM, and will continue through June 15, 2008.

Werneth developed the unique tools and trained the astronauts for the project at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland for all 4 of the HST servicing missions. And every time there was a servicing mission, Werneth says, the Hubble became a new telescope, because of the new cameras, computer systems, and other instrumentation that were upgraded, repaired, or replaced. It is constantly evolving into a better telescope with the ability to see more as time goes on. As technology improves, so does Hubble. There is a Space Shuttle mission scheduled for August 2008 for yet another upgrade.

The spectacular images that have come back from Hubble since 1990 have led to new discoveries in science, so much so that in many instances it has made the information in textbooks obsolete. Views from the Hubble have led to new knowledge about galaxies, star systems, star formations, the age of the universe, new information about planets and galaxies, and new theories about the Big Bang Theory; all that have been discovered since the Hubble went into orbit 300 miles above the earth in April 1990.

Werneth would like to see NASA continue on its mission of exploration. "I think it's human nature to explore, and there are things yet to discover that we cannot even imagine. We always have to be exploring and learning. I think the moon should be developed as a
base, using a combination of robotic and human labor. I think we have to do it in steps, as we develop the technology to make humans able to go to Mars, we will get benefits here on Earth. We also need to inform people what those many benefits are. We need to realize there are things we don't know yet that will help us live a better life here on Earth."

Werneth, now an SGT, Inc. employee in Greenbelt, Maryland, travels to museums and educational venues and speaks to the public, informing all about what the Hubble Space Telescope has done for us, and to the many benefits that have come from the astronaut spacewalks and HST's never-blinking lens.

High On Museum Studies

Recently 13 students in Museum and Planetarium Director Ellen Zisholtz's museum studies class went to the IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) conference at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA.

This was the first time students attended, and to show their appreciation they were recognized by the Museum Director.

Several students spoke of their experience. When asked about their impressions of the conference, some thought the technical aspects were a bit over their head, but overall they learned a lot about how involved and necessary museum operations, like grant writing, cataloging, promotion, etc. really is. Studio Art major John Johnson was impressed at the high level of care museums show the works of art and other cultural pieces in their collection, and to the great lengths museums go to insure the safety of each piece for generations to come. This is important because museums not only showcase history, but are important markers for us to remember significant events and the history of cultures.

The students thought this experience would benefit them in many ways. This trip, they said, caused them to have a deeper respect for other cultures. It provided them with insight as to what it takes to maintain a museum, such as the ability to negotiate in order to acquire pieces, and the great lengths and sacrifices directors and other museum personnel make every day.

Another added benefit, they said, was that this experience would give them the ability to hold informative dinner party conversations!

The students went prepared with marketing tools, and as a result several may have the opportunity for internships and employment.

All in all, this experience expanded the ideas these students had about museums and the important role they play in the cultural, artistic and educational enrichment of us all.

Apparition at the Stanback

Apparition of the Eternal Church, a film by filmmaker Paul Festa, was shown at the IP Stanback Museum and Planetarium Sunday, February 3 and is the first film to be shown as part of the 2008 Spring Southern Circuit Film Tour.

The film was about the reactions 31 non-Christian people gave while listening to Oliver Messiaen's 1932 organ piece "Apparition of the Eternal Church", which was written specifically with the intent of evangelizing non-Christians. Although the same music was played through headphones for each person, the reactions were as wildly different as the drag queens, actors, professors, musicians, dancers, and artists that were the subjects. The gamut of emotional responses ranged from disgust, fear, ecstasy, lust, to spiritual rapture, and even crossing over to physical pain.

At the very end of the film the audience was allowed to sample the music the respondants were listening to in the film.

Filmmaker Paul Festa concluded the evening with the reading of an excerpt from the book version of the film. He then answered questions from the audience.

Many in attendance were impressed by the unique viewpoint of this film. Some compared it to a blind person trying to explain a painting or a deaf person trying to explain music.

You can find out more about filmmaker Paul Festa and his work at the Southern Circuit blog and at paulfesta.com.