The film Armageddon is fiction; it suggests that humanity was in mortal danger until heroic actions saved us. Did you know that there are people who observe and secure improved orbits for near-Earth asteroids EVERY DAY? Their efforts have eliminated the chances of an extinction-level asteroid impact with Earth over the next 100 years or so.  Did the film spur action that helped achieve this incredible decrease in risk?  Was this due to increased public consciousness of the risk? Continue reading “Science in Film: Lessons from the Movie Armageddon”

NASA and its international partners are planning to send humans to Mars in the 2030’s. Mission to Mars will challenge the frontiers of human collaboration as the crew lives and works in an extreme environment. The crew of 4 will be confined to a space the size of a small studio apartment for 2 ½ years. As the crew travels further into deep space, the extreme distance will result in significant communication delays with Earth. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: Mission to Mars — Team Composition”

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Scientists – trying standup comedy?

Science Riot, presented by the Chicago Council on Science and Technology, will bring two science comedy storytelling shows to the city this spring. A lineup of real scientists will complete a crash course in comedy before presenting a short comedy talk about their expertise. Continue reading “Science Riot Presented by C2ST – 2nd Show”