Reuters:
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS164272+20-Apr-2009+PRN20090420
GREENBELT, Md., April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In celebration of Earth
Day 2009 NASA's Digital Learning Network has teamed with director and
violinist Kenji Williams to present an out of this world experience known as
Bella Gaia. Bella Gaia, which means "beautiful Earth," is a one-of-a-kind
multimedia journey of Earth from space. It will be presented to students and
teachers around the world during two webcasts on Wednesday, April 22 at 10
a.m. and 2 p.m. EDT.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)
Bella Gaia uses NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite
imagery, data and stunning high definition projections of orbiting
visualizations of Earth from space. The musical presentation also incorporates
earthbound imagery, used to explore our planet through sight and sound.
Through William's creative genius students can immerse themselves in a vision
of Earth from space in celebration of the miracle of life on planet Earth.
"Bella Gaia is just beautiful. It really felt like I was back in space," said
NASA astronaut Piers Sellers, veteran of two space shuttle missions, 2002 and
2006.
The goal of NASA's Digital Learning Network is to enhance the agency's ability
to deliver unique content by linking students and educators with NASA experts.
During the webcast students will have the opportunity to learn more about
Williams and his career. Williams will perform and talk about the inspiration
for his work using NASA visualizations. NASA visualization artist Helen Kostis
of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center will also explain her work and its
importance to NASA missions during the webcast.
"The production of Bella Gaia is a magical journey unto itself," said Marc
Herring, executive producer of the Herring Media Group. "We are thrilled to
appear on the NASA Digital Learning Network and want to acknowledge the
generous support of many organizations."
Earth Day observance began in 1970 after a horrific oil spill in California.
This year will mark the beginning of the Green Generation Campaign which will
also be the focus of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010.
For more information about NASA's Digital Learning Network or to view this
presentation visit:
http://dln.nasa.gov/dln
For a comprehensive listing of NASA Earth Day activities visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/earthday
For more information about NASA education visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/education
To learn more about Bella Gaia visit:
http://www.bellagaia.com
To find out more about Earth Day 2009 visit:
http://www.earthday.net/earthday2009
BELLA GAIA now features rich data visualizations by UNIVIEW, SCISS, NASA, and cultural
journeys into Japan, Egypt, New York City, and India/Sri Lanka,
featuring fantastic content & music from the LAYA project,. World music courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
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