2008-05-31 03:36:22 -

- World Space Center David Beaver, 919-271-6605 dbeaver@worldspacecenter.org 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.

The 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, a member of the Overview Group, and 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 cites 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 work of the Overview Institute. For more information, visit www.overviewinstitute.org

This event is being produced by The World Space Center.

Complete List of the Overview Group: -0- David Beaver Ray Idaszak Mike Simmons Dan Curry Kevin Kelley Doug Trumbull Carter Emmart Jeff Krukin Rick Tumlinson Keith Ferrell Alan Ladwig Frank White Roger Harris David McConville George Whitesides Alex Howerton Edgar Mitchell Loretta Whitesides Barbara Marx Hubbard Andrew Newberg

About The World Space Center

The World Space Center is a nonprofit 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.

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