Hubble Heritage: Inspiration through Hubble Space Telescope Imagery

Paper number

IAC-12,E1,8,5,x12999

Author

Dr. Carol Christian, STScI, United States

Coauthor

Ms. Lisa Frattare, STScI, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Zoltan Levay, STScI, United States

Coauthor

Dr. Mario Livio, STScI, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Max Mutchler, STScI, United States

Year

2012

Abstract

People have an innate fascination with the astronomy, the first visual
science. Throughout time, natural phenomena have inspired imaginations
and artistic endeavors. Experience has taught us that even from an
early age, exposure to astronomy can inspire inquisitiveness and a
desire to explore, discover, and create.

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a fantastic research tool
dedicated to very ambitious and original scientific studies of
nature. Through its high resolution capability, HST also has brought
the wonders of the cosmos and the fruits of astronomical research to
the public in a dramatic way and infused the telescope into the
mainstream culture. The Hubble Heritage Project was created to
emphasize the aesthetic content of HST imagery and demonstrate how
this unique telescope extends human vision and insight.

The core of the Hubble Heritage Project is a monthly picture of a
celestial object observed with HST from planets, to stars and galaxies
out to the edge of the universe. Heritage also makes unusual links to other 
disciplines and
stimulates the creation of various types of artistic inventions
including literature, visual media, fabric design and production and
music. This paper will discuss the linkage from HST to artists through
the Heritage project and engage the audience in considering what new
methods can be implemented to further engage artists in this amazing
adventure.

The Hubble Heritage Project has been recognized for its contribution
to public inspiration, and many awards have been bestowed on the
group.  These include images selected for the Rochester Institute of
Technology's "Images From Science" traveling gallery, those chosen by
the US and UK postal systems, use of images on the World Book binding, MSNBC images of the Year, and the Infinity Award for Applied
Photography, to name a few.

Abstract document

IAC-12,E1,8,5,x12999.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,E1,8,5,x12999.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.