#United States #NASA #Park City #Planetary Defenders #Asteroid Detection

NASA's Planetary Defenders at Sundance Film Festival

This January, NASA is stepping onto the glamorous stage of the Sundance Film Festival to highlight a critical aspect of space exploration: planetary defense. With the launch of its exciting new documentary, Planetary Defenders, the agency sheds light on the pressing challenges of asteroid detection and how humanity might react in the face of an impending extraterrestrial threat.

A Historic Moment for NASA

Marking its first participation in the esteemed festival, NASA aims to engage with a diverse audience of filmmakers and creatives, fostering collaboration in storytelling. Brittany Brown, director of NASA's Office of Communications Digital and Technology, expressed her enthusiasm for this significant moment, stating, "We're thrilled that NASA is attending Sundance Film Festival for the first time – a festival renowned for its innovative spirit."

Brown emphasized that this collaboration could inspire new narratives surrounding interstellar themes and engage the public's imaginations regarding space exploration.

The Documentary: Planetary Defenders

At the heart of the festival will be the documentary Planetary Defenders, which not only highlights the urgency of asteroid hunting but also weaves a narrative around the very real question: How would humanity respond if an asteroid was on a collision course with Earth? This documentary invites viewers inside NASA's planetary defense efforts, showcasing the real-life astronomers and specialized teams dedicated to keeping our planet safe from cosmic threats.

Rebecca Sirmons, the general manager and head of NASA+, is proud to present this documentary, declaring that NASA is home to some of the most captivating stories. She mentioned, "NASA's new streaming platform NASA+ is dedicated to sharing these stories to inspire the next generation."

Panel Discussion at Sundance

Alongside the documentary, a panel titled You Bet Your Asteroid NASA Has a Story to Tell will be held on January 26, 2025, at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City, Utah. This event presents an outstanding opportunity for festival-goers to engage directly with the individuals involved in the film, including experts from NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office.

Prominent panelists include:

• - Rebecca Sirmons, head of NASA+
• - Scott Bednar, filmmaker and director of NASA 360/National Institute of Aerospace
• - Jessie Wilde, filmmaker and director of NASA 360/National Institute of Aerospace
• - Dr. Kelly Fast, acting planetary defense officer, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office
• - David Rankin, senior survey operations specialist, Catalina Sky Survey
• - Dr. Vishnu Reddy, professor of planetary sciences at the University of Arizona

Attendees will not only gain insights into the documentary but will also have the chance for a Q&A session, allowing them to explore deeper conversations about planetary defense initiatives and the essential work being undertaken by NASA.

Engaging the Public with NASA+

In addition to the exciting documentary and panel, NASA continues its commitment to sharing knowledge and research through its streaming service, NASA+. This platform is a treasure trove of live broadcasts, original programming, and the latest updates on NASA’s ongoing efforts to improve life on Earth through innovative exploration. The service is accessible free-of-charge, available on multiple platforms, enhancing public access to NASA’s wealth of information.

In conclusion, NASA’s debut at the Sundance Film Festival marks a monumental step in blending science and storytelling, emphasizing the significance of planetary protection and inspiring a collective vision towards future challenges exploring the unknown realms of space. Engage with NASA's vibrant content and stay updated on the extraordinary work being done in the area of planetary defense.

For more details, visit NASA's official website on planetary defense.