About the Event
A few logistics for attendees:
- See a detailed agenda of Giant Leaps events.
- Maps, parking information
- Questions? Call the Giant Leaps Program phone: 617-955-7517
"That's one small step for a man ..."
On July 20, 1969, humanity took a new look at itself, at its potential, and at its future. On that day Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon. Our perspectives of the Earth, the moon, the universe — and what humanity is capable of achieving — were changed forever. The moon landing inspired a generation.
- The moon landing was exhilarating: Humanity was now capable of an unprecedented level of technological mastery: we could create machines and systems that allowed us to leave the Earth’s orbit and survive in the cold vacuum of space.
- It was reorienting: The Apollo astronauts gave us the chance to look back and see the earth as a small, shining, blue and white jewel that needed our protection. They also gave us the opportunity to look forward, into the vastness of space, and to wonder at our future in it.
- And it was a challenge: The Apollo astronauts’ perspective gave us a taste of what we can achieve technologically — but how much further can we venture? It also begs us to see the world of our lived experience as finite and fragile — so how do we preserve, protect, and enhance the world we live in?
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which played a pivotal role in the voyage to the moon, will host an extensive event in Boston to mark the 40th anniversary of the moon landing. From June 10–12, 2009, we will honor those who made Apollo a success. We will explore with them, and with other luminaries in the sciences, arts, and humanities, how we can apply lessons learned from the moon project to the great challenges and opportunities of our future.
Please join us as we examine Apollo’s profound lessons and legacy, and explore how they can inspire and guide our relationship with the fragile planet below, and the infinite reaches above.
