Directory

General / Home

.

Space Exploration Presentations by Walt Reil

Walt Reil, a resident of Atascadero, California, since 1986, and a volunteer NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassador since 2004, offers free public presentations about astronomy and space exploration.  Digitally-displayed programs, which run 60 to 90 minutes, include basic technical detail, therefore they are directed at ages 11 and older and folks who really enjoy the subject of space exploration.  These programs are generally not appropriate for children younger than 11.  Programs consist of a digital slideshow, video and bold music.

Destination Mars and Jupiter !

When:  Saturday, February 11, 2012, 6 - 8 PM

Where:  Atascadero Martin Polin Regional Public Library, 6850 Morro Road  (on Hwy 41 West of Atascadero)

Cost:  Free, no charge

Reservations:  Call the Atascadero Library at 461-6161 to reserve seats.  Seating is very limited.

Audience Arrival Time:  Arrive at least 15 minutes before the program begins.

Program Host:  Atascadero Martin Polin Regional Public Library

Overview:  Program Flyer 
Come learn about two of NASA’s new missions in progress in our solar system, the Mars Science Laboratory “Curiosity” lander on its way to our favorite “Red Planet” Mars, and the Juno orbiter on its way to the largest of our solar system's planets, Jupiter.  Learn about these fascinating planets, how challenging it is to visit them, about the spacecraft design and science missions and view their thundering launches from Florida’s Cape Canaveral. Learn about how we communicate with the spacecraft and about one very special young girl who named the Curiosity spacecraft. Spend an evening traveling far from Earth, experiencing space exploration at its finest.  The program will include the sounds of loud rocket launches and bold music.

    
Click on the image for a larger versions

Walt's JPL Solar System Ambassador Bio

Walt's Endeavour Institute Bio

Walt's Contact Info:  Home phone 466-0757, home email walter (dot) reil (@ sign) hotmail (dot) com, office phone 545-6570.

The JPL Solar System Ambassador Program, a public outreach program operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, works with motivated volunteers across the nation in communicating the excitement of JPL's space exploration missions and information about recent discoveries to people in their local communities.  Ambassadors are space enthusiasts from many walks of life who are interested in providing greater service and inspiration to the community at large.  

JPL is an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a lead research and development center for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).  JPL is the center of the world's solar system exploration work.

The SSA program grew out of the smaller Galileo Ambassador program which began in 1997 with 16 Ambassadors.  By 1999, other missions were interested in participating and the program was converted to the present Solar System Ambassadors program.  The first complete year as the Solar System Ambassadors program was in 2000 with 145 Ambassadors in 45 states.  Now numbering close to 500 volunteers, JPL Solar System Ambassadors are providing public outreach events around the world.  Even though JPL Solar System Ambassadors represent and speak for JPL and its solar system exploration work, they also speak for the more global work performed by NASA as well as spreading the word of the vital importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in America's K-12 schools.

For more information about this program, see the JPL Solar System Ambassador Program website and this 2005 JPL News release.

Cost:  Free.  No charge for JPL SSA presentations.  Occasionally a hosting organization may charge a small fee to only cover event costs, but programs are not to be for fundraising purposes.  JPL SSA programs are purely for everyone's enjoyment and education.

Duration:  Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.  Programs can be tailored to include an IMAX video if desired, which will lengthen the program by about 45 minutes.  Pre-show set-up requires 2 hours and post-show equipment removal requires about 1 hour.

Location:  Preferably held at the host's location or at the PG&E Energy Education Center auditorium south of San Luis Obispo just off of Hwy 101 (located on Ontario Road between the two Avila Beach freeway interchanges), which seats up to 50 people.  Because JPL Solar System Ambassador presentations are free for the public and at no cost to JPL or NASA, generally only facilities that are available free for public use are utilized. 

Facility Accommodations:  The PG&E Energy Education Center and auditorium is an excellent location having lots of room, a large projection screen, stair-stepped padded seating, nice restrooms and plenty of parking, including four handicapped parking spaces with level entry into the building on the top level.  Access to the facility from the lower parking lot is via stairs.  The only level entry to the building is from the very small staff parking area (having four handicapped parking stalls) up the hill next to the building.  The auditorium accommodates four wheelchairs.

Desired Audience Size:  From 25 to 150.  50 maximum at the PG&E Energy Education Center.

CAUTION:   When children attend, ages 11 and older are preferred, as the room gets very dark at times, there is a lot of material covered and sometimes bold music.   Much of the material presented will be over the heads of young children.  Sitting in a "meeting" for 2 hours can be a challenge for youngsters and their parents.  Be prepared for a very visual program that at times is accompanied by music or sound that may shake your seats and the room.  Parents must accompany their children and their friends.

Other Info:  The program is provided free of charge to schools, community groups or businesses wishing to have an evening or weekend program, depending on Walt's availability.  Programs are normally held on weekends.  Questions will be addressed at the conclusion of the program.

NOTE 1:  For presentations held at locations other than the PG&E Energy Education Center, set-up takes a minimum of 2 hours and equipment removal takes about another hour.  Please plan accordingly if your school or organization wishes to host a program. 

NOTE 2:  All windows and door glass in the presentation room MUST have dark covers, as a dark room is required for an effective and enjoyable program.

NOTE 3:  If you have a large projection screen for use during the program, that would be very much appreciated, one that is 8 to 10 feet wide.  Please ensure that there are restrooms available for everyone's use.  Please inform all members of the audience of the serious nature of the program and all logistics for the event (times, location, directions, etc.)  Please provide all seating set-up and removal.  A center aisle is necessary for projection equipment.

NOTE 4:  If a group wishes to have refreshments during the event, it is asked that the sponsoring group provide whatever refreshments are desired.  Generally, cookies, coffee, water and soft drinks are appropriate.  Presentations are NOT to be used for fundraising or advertising a business.  All JPL Solar System Ambassador events are totally free for anyone attending, unless a small fee is charged by a hosting organization to cover the costs of hosting an event.

NOTE 5:  All JPL Solar System Ambassadors are volunteers helping expose the public to JPL and NASA operations and space exploration missions.  SSAs are not JPL or NASA employees and therefore do not receive any pay or presentation equipment for their all-volunteer work.  All statements made by SSAs are strictly their own interpretation, viewpoint or opinion and do not necessarily reflect those of JPL or NASA.