How do you summarize a whirlwind weekend at the world’s largest astronomy forum?
The Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF) is a production of the Rockland Astronomy Club in Suffern, NY. Thousands of astronomers and space enthusiasts enjoy a weekend of lectures, workshops, and a fieldhouse full of astonishing astronomy gear at Rockland Community College. Mike Leinbach and I presented here in 2018. Eileen Collins and I were invited to speak in 2022, but the event was cancelled because of Covid. I loved seeing everything in full vibrant swing again this year when the Forum kicked off on Saturday, April 15.
Eileen and I began our day with an interview on Cosmic Perspective Radio with host Andy Poniros and producer Tony Achilles, two friends from many Spacefests and other space events. Eileen is a big draw wherever she goes. A crowd quickly gathered around us after the interview began. We discussed topics ranging from Eileen’s career to the future of space exploration.
Later in the afternoon, Eileen and I returned to the auditorium for the keynote presentation. We thought it would be fun, in presenting to a room full of astronomers, to speak about some of the more esoteric aspects of Eileen’s missions, things that we discussed in our interviews, but which did not make it into our book aimed at a general audience. Eileen suggested we run the presentation as astronauts do with their post-mission press briefings, where the crew members take turns describing successive slides or film clips. Audience members told us afterward that they really enjoyed the conversational style of our presentation.
After the talk, Eileen and I signed books. The supply of books quickly sold out. There was a long line, and dinner was waiting for us, but we stayed until everyone in line had a chance to meet Eileen.
There’s no describing the look of joy on the faces of young people who meet her. She speaks and listens to everyone with genuine interest. Eileen knows that every conversation she has with a young person, no matter how brief it may be, has the potential to change their lives. She takes that responsibility very seriously and handles it with grace.
Finally, the NEAF organizers invited all of the speakers out for dinner at a fantastic restaurant. I met Holly Ridings, NASA’s Chief Flight Director, and also enjoyed the chance to catch up with Gerry Griffin, Jani Radebaugh from JPL, and Pranvera Hyseni from Kosovo.
I went back out to the exhibit floor the next morning. I left with less money in my pocket and a new piece of astronomy gear.
Thanks to Ed Siemann, Karen Celidonio, Vinny Coulehan, Joe Rao, and all the others from NEAF who treated us like royalty this weekend. These folks really know how to put on a show!