Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Upon seeing Earth from space, astronauts often experience The Overview Effect, a profound shift in their understanding of Earth as a fragile oasis of interwoven and inseparable systems in the vastness of space. But fewer than 1000 of the Earth’s billions of inhabitants have had the opportunity to observe Earth as a planet among the stars first-hand. Astronomy gives us a way to bring The Overview Effect down to Earth, providing a sense of our traveling through space together. This planetary identity is essential if we are to solve the many problems of Spaceship Earth such as climate change, pandemics, and profound inequity. The Overview Effect, however it is experienced, is the key to advancing from “us and them” to “we.”

About Mike Simmons

Mike Simmons is currently an Affiliate Research Scientist at Blue Marble Space Institute of Science where he is creating programs addressing issues of diversity and inclusion using astronomy and space. He is the founder and former president of Astronomers Without Borders, a founding member of the Overview Institute, and a member of the board of directors of the International Dark-Sky Association. He serves on the IAU Executive Working Group on Diversity and Inclusion, and the Outreach Committee of the African Astronomical Society. Mike is also a co-owner of two recently founded astronomy-based companies. Mike is a retired medical researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Watch a recording of this talk (external link)