YURI'S NIGHT ROCKS!

[Terry Boblet]

Well, if you missed Yuri's Night last night, you missed out on an absolutely spectacular event! I shall describe Yuri's Night like this: Yuri Gagarin meets the Exploratorium at a space party! There was something unique for everyone, both young and old. It was held in one of the hangars at NASA Ames. When I first arrived I could smell a hint of a scent of jet fuel in the air. Ahhh! What a perfect venue to celebrate the flight of Yuri Gagarin. You feel like you're taking part in historical celebrations, which in many ways, it was. I was overwhelmed and in awe while walking around in the hangar looking at all the science exhibits, light shows, and NASA officials. Everyone had a wonderful time. Even those guys! There was loads to see and hear. First musical guest up was Telfon Tel Aviv, then I listened to renowned NASA scientist Dr. Chris McKay both on stage in the media room talk about astrobiology and terraformation. Also appearing earlier in the evening was the astronaut Anousheh Ansari, the first female private space explorer. Later in the evening was an outstanding performance by Plaid which was from 11:45 pm to 1:15 am. Electronic music and visuals on the enormous video screens was the perfect backdrop to Yuri's Night. After that was the NASA Ames center director Pete Worden speaking live. Later appearing was Sutekh and Jonah Sharp, (aka Spacetime Continuum), and Bluetech. Those began playing on stage at 3:30 am, about a hour after I left. Sadly, I left at 2:30 am. I'm very tired, but I took away with me some great memories of this night. I can't wait for them to hold another Yuri's Night next year! It was an imaginative and a unique mixture of sights, sounds and people. For more photos and information visit:



http://www.yurisnight.net/2007/