BLAST from the Past
Last night Dr. Mark Devlin appeared on The Colbert Report to talk about BLAST the Movie. The movie is a documentary about an experiment in 2006 that involved launching a car-sized telescope in Antarctica using a balloon.
Before Lab Out Loud, we did a podcast for the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers called Periodicity. Dr. Devlin, a graduate of University of Wisconsin, spoke to us in January 2007- shortly after his return from Antarctica.
You can listen to the interview as Dr. Devlin discussed the science involved with the BLAST experiment, the struggles they encountered and the importance of basic research. As you listen to Dr. Devlin describe his experiences with such passion, it quickly becomes apparent that this experiment’s story has everything a compelling movie requires to keep you at the edge of your seat.
Our show notes also provided links to blogs that several of the graduate students maintained while they were in Antarctica. They provided a personal glimpse into the lives of scientists as their Antarctic mission unfolded. They also posted some amazing photos.
Find links to all of our old Periodicity episodes at:
http://www.wsst.org/podcasts.asp
Devlin was also on NPR’s ‘Science Friday’ a few weeks ago: http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/200906265