John Dobson Inaugurates Living Legend Series

27 October 2010

John Dobson, popularizer of the widely-used Dobsonian telescope design that now bears his name, will be interviewed in the first episode of a new series of webcasts, Astronomers Without Borders' Living Legend Series on Saturday, November 13.

Perhaps no name is better known in the global community of astronomy enthusiasts than that of Dobson who at age 95 has had a lifetime of outreach and activism. His determination to bring astronomy to the people was a driving force behind the creation of the sidewalk astronomy movement. Pioneering new methods of making telescopes more accessible, Dobson paved the way for astronomy outreach regardless of access to professional facilities.

This first Living Legend Series webcast will stream live online to a limited online audience. Dobson will take questions from viewers during this portion of the webcast. The entire recorded program will be available for streaming by everyone a few hours after the initial live broadcast. The one hour program, live from Hollywood, California, USA, begins at 19.00 UT (GMT).

Access for viewing the live webcast is available by reservation only. Priority will be given to Affiliates of Astronomers Without Borders, the groups that are a part of the AWB global community. AWB Affiliates interested in taking part should write to us - (LLS@astronomerswithoutborders.org) with the group's name and the representative's contact information. Events with groups viewing the webcast will also have the opportunity to appear by video in the webcast. A small number of groups will be chosen to ask live questions, with a chat box available for others to submit comments and questions. There are 500 places so it is expected that there will be plenty of space for others after the AWB Affiliate spaces are assigned, with priority given first to groups holding events to maximize the number of people taking part in the live webcast. Information and updates will be posted on this page as it becomes available.

This is the first of a continuing series of Living Legend Series webcasts presenting the people behind the names known throughout the worldwide community of astronomy enthusiasts.

Living Legend Series - http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/projects/living-legend-series.html

Organisational Associates:
ESO AAS INSU CAS STRW NOVA STFC SCNAT SPA NRC MEC CNES DLR ESA JAXA NAOJ APL PS ESF ISRO ICRAN NLSI NOT U Cluster NASAEAS ASI NRAO CEA  KASI EAE SPA AUI CROSCI


The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is endorsed by the United Nations and the International Council of Science.