Storytelling and Visualization: Engaging with Astronomers

Presentation theme: future, sustainability and worldviews

To foster and maintain scientific integrity in their programming, planetarians can benefit from discussions and collaborations with astronomers. Such interactions, however, can be hindered by the different approaches each side may take to the same material. Researchers are naturally focused on the detailed picture that informs cutting edge results, while presentation to the public often requires a broader overview with a simplified set of concepts. Learning to engage with astronomers involves not only understanding various astronomical objects and key physical concepts, but also how to recognize scientist's thought patterns and to extract the valuable information that enhances storytelling. 

This workshop will present a series of case studies of astronomy topics, images, and visualizations. Participants will work in groups to identify the important components of each scenario from both the planetarian and scientist viewpoints. Groups will brainstorm ideas for connecting the two perspectives in formats that tell an engaging and accurate story for broad audiences. Attendees will emerge with a better understanding of strategies for connecting with astronomers in their communities.

Frank Summers & Robert Hurt (Space Telescope Science Institute, Caltech-IPAC)