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Astronauts,
scientists, and cultural thought leaders
announce
formation of the Overview Institute
Experts Believe a View from Space May be Key to Solving Problems
Here on Earth
Raleigh, North Carolina -- May 28, 2008 - 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.
T he 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, 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 sites 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 Overview Institute.
For more information, visit www.overviewinstitute.org
This event is being produced by The World Space Center.
About The World Space Center
The World Space Center is a non profit 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.
Contact: David Beaver
World Space Center
919-271-6605
dbeaver@worldspacecenter.org
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