Science Outreach: Intergalactic Travel Bureau Project on FundaGeek
Brainchild of Dr. Mark Rosin, Postdoctoral Scholar in Mathematics at UCLA
. The Intergalactic Travel Bureau is an opportunity for members of the public to have an unforgettable (and educational) encounter with science. Instead of offering dream vacation packages to exotic islands, they offer a range of incredible destinations throughout the solar system.
For two days this summer, on June 9th and 10th, the Guerilla Science outreach organization – http://www.guerillascience.co.uk - will host America’s first Intergalactic Travel Bureau on Governor’s Island (a free 5 minute ferry ride from Manhattan) as part of the FIGMENT Art festival. Their event is a piece of free, interactive, science outreach theatre where adults, teenagers and children can connect with actors and space scientists to plan their extra-terrestrial vacation of a lifetime. Visitors to the Bureau are invited to browse the different destinations on offer, discuss their holiday options with the travel agents and even send a free postcard from their destination of choice.
Over its duration, this event will allow hundreds of people to learn about space exploration, our solar system, and the history of our journey to the stars. At a time when science and technology are increasingly economically important, and yet there is a shortage of able scientists, providing entertaining and engaging science-themed activities to inspire and inform everyone, is of vital importance. With companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic pursuing serious efforts to make space travel a viable option for the private citizen, the possibility of planning a space vacation may not be as futuristic as it seems.
The event will be put on by these volunteers:
Olivia Koski – Journalist, sometime laser engineer, and Guerilla Scientist
Hanno Rein – Astronomer at Princeton University
Renee Hlozek – Astronomer at Princeton University
Mark Rosin – Physicist at UCLA and Guerilla Scientist
Because Guerilla Science is free to the public and does not make a profit, they must find a way to cover costs (travel, printing, props, minimal actors fees). Successful funding on FundaGeek will do just that. To view their video and rewards, please visit their project at: http://www.fundageek.com/project/detail/494/Intergalactic-Travel-Bureau-
