posted 01-25-2007 09:46 PM               

Earth, 2004. Time is running out for the Hubble Space Telescope. The NASA program with the revolutionary track record and massive cult-following needs the astro-physical equivalent of routine auto maintenance (change the battery, rotate the gyroscopes), yet the very space agency that built the craft is refusing to send a mission to save it.

As the decision to "can" Hubble goes beyond infuriating the science community and begins to outrage the general public, Saving Hubble examines the issue in its broader political context; it is a story about questionable decision-making, misplaced priorities, and the uncertain future of American scientific and political prowess. "Saving Hubble" is a suspenseful scientific thriller, a biting political satire, and a thoughtful meditation on the future of American science, the priorities of the space program and the larger issues of contemporary American politics and culture.

posted 01-25-2007 09:48 PM               

A Weston native is preparing to launch a documentary about the importance of the Hubble Space Telescope set against the discussion about the future of the United States space program.

David Gaynes spoke to the Y's Men of Westport Weston during their session this morning about "Saving Hubble," the documentary he plans to finish by June.

Workers at Perkin-Elmer in Norwalk and Danbury worked on the mirror for the Hubble Space Telescope, and a number of Perkin-Elmer alumni were at today's talk.

posted 04-02-2015 05:00 PM               

Documentary Viewable Free Online to Honor Telescope's 25th Anniversary

In celebration of the Hubble Space Telescope's 25th anniversary in orbit, the acclaimed cult documentary "Saving Hubble" will be made available to view for free at the film's website.

"Saving Hubble" takes an unusual and distinctive approach to its subject matter, exploring the scientific, cultural, political, and spiritual significance of Hubble to astronomers, engineers, astronauts, politicians, program managers, and, most endearingly, a broad cross-section of the general public.

Of specific interest to the film is the chapter in Hubble's life that began in 2004 with the untimely cancellation of the telescope before the intended conclusion of its mission life. The film tracks Hubble's fight for survival through its eventual reinstatement and servicing by space shuttle astronauts in Spring 2009. Though the film touches on a dark period in Hubble history, it frequently draws praise for examining Hubble's most challenging moment to create a lens through which the larger story of Hubble's accomplishments and popularity emerge. The film departs often from its central plot to explore Hubble's history as well as the stories of individuals who were transformed by their work on Hubble over time.

"Hubble's wide support among the general public, to say nothing of the space and astronomy communities, is obviously a testament to the success of the mission," says director David Gaynes, "but the achievement of Hubble is even greater than the sum of all the science and wonder the mission has generated — so great it's hard to articulate the feeling, though so many of us recognize it and attempt to describe it. Hubble's story writ large, from the original idea of a telescope in space through its execution, utilization, and the subsequent transformation of our understanding of the universe is, simply put, the essence of the human story. This is why thousands of people have profound feelings for the machine. Hubble is, in fact, not only a mirror on the cosmos but a mirror for ourselves, and that's the unique angle of the Hubble story I sought to tell. I'm proud to have had a role contextualizing this very simple but powerful idea and to have helped create a film that explores the significance of the Hubble endeavor on a deeper level than ever before."

Until now "Saving Hubble" has remained unreleased. It was first presented in January 2012 to a standing-room-only audience at the 219th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Austin, TX. Since then it has been screened mainly at conferences, before industry groups, and by invitation at colleges and universities around the country. Notable examples include the 28th General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union in Beijing, China; a tour of the Hawaiian Islands sponsored by the University of Hawaii and Imiloa Planetarium; and special presentations at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, and Stellafane telescope-makers convention in Vermont. Public audiences have viewed the film periodically since its completion through a series of unique community events known as "Hubble Roadshows," where screenings are paired with sidewalk astronomy, live music, and companion programs about astronomy and science. Hubble Roadshows were produced and presented to enthusiastic audiences in Baton Rouge, LA, Westport, CT, and Crestwood, IL.