We See Thee Rise: Bill Nye and the Planetary Society celebrate the True North's strong contribution to human space exploration
Mat Kaplan and Bill Nye having fun on stage at a presentation of Planetary Radio Live. Credit: The Planetary Society
Meteorologist/Science Writer
Thursday, September 25, 2014, 11:56 AM - Are you a Canadian? Do you love astronomy and space exploration? If you answered yes to both of these questions, and can make it to the University of Toronto's Convocation Hall on the night of October 1, 2014, there is an amazing opportunity to gather with your fellow Canadian space and science enthusiasts to celebrate our nation's amazing achievements in the fields of space science and space exploration.
'We See Thee Rise: The Canadian Space Program Today and Tomorrow,' is a two-hour, live presentation of Planetary Radio, the Planetary Society's online podcast series. Host Mat Kaplan will be broadcasting in front of a live audience of space and science enthusiasts, as well as devoted fans of his guest of honour - scientist, comedian, teacher, author, and Planetary Society CEO, Bill Nye, the Science Guy.
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| Credit: The Planetary Society |
"Nations establish space programs, because they see the value in the academic, engineering, and scientific achievements that always emerge from space exploration," Bill Nye said in a press release for the event. "Being in Toronto with the world’s space explorers from every discipline will further international cooperation in space. Together, we will accomplish great things. It is inspiring."
Together, Mat Kaplan and Bill Nye will be welcoming to the stage three special guests to help them celebrate Canada's achievements in space science and space exploration.
- Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, just back from his week-long undersea 'aquanaut' adventure with the 19th NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) mission,
- Gordon Osinski, a professor and planetary geologist who is the Associate Director of the Centre for Planetary Science & Exploration (CPSX) at the University of Western Ontario, in London, ON, and
- Elizabeth Howell, a Canadian writer who regular contributes to Fraser Cain's space & astronomy news site Universe Today, and other online news sources such as Space.com, SEN.com and Spaceref.com.
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Attending this "rare and rewarding celebration of Canadians in space" not only gives the public the chance to celebrate our nation's achievements, but it is an excellent way to support The Planetary Society - the world’s largest space interest group - as they continue to expand their reach throughout Canada. Tickets to the show are only $10 per person, and are available only from the Planetary Society's website (click here). No tickets will be sold at the venue. The doors open for the event at 7 pm EDT Wednesday evening, seating is first-come-first-served (so arriving early is best) and the show is expected to run until 9:30 pm EDT. Volunteers from the Planetary Society will be on hand with free materials for attendees of all ages, such as issues of the Planetary Report - the Society's quarterly magazine - plus bookmarks, stickers and other cool stuff.
The evening is expected to kick off with the unique and entertaining music of Ottawa-based band Dream World, followed by a presentation by Bill Nye, and then proceed with a panel discussion between Kaplan, Nye and the other guests for the Planetary Radio podcast. Kaplan will also feature a Q & A session, taking questions for the guests from those in attendance.
For a chance to interact more closely with Bill Nye and the other guests, and get even more rewarding experience from the evening, tickets are also still available for the VIP reception, which takes place after the show, at the University of Toronto's Hart House. Tickets for the VIP Reception are $50 for Planetary Society members ($75 for non-members), and this includes admission for the Planetary Radio Live event.
"The Planetary Society’s mission is to empower the world's citizens to advance space science and exploration, and the first step is to get the public excited about it," Kate Howells, the Planetary Society's national coordinator for Canada, said in the press release. "Exploration is an adventure that all of humanity participates in, and Canada has always had a significant, though often understated role. We want to celebrate the amazing things we've done as a country to advance space exploration, and inspire those who will someday take Canada even farther into space."
For those unable to attend this amazing event, Planetary Radio will be broadcasting the show live on the Planetary Society's YouTube page (click here), starting at 7:30 pm EDT.
