All news
June Scobee Rodgers to sign books and introduce Hubble 3D
3/31/2011 10:31:38 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Thom Benson 423-785-3007
Last Week to Reach for the Stars at IMAX
June Scobee Rodgers to Sign Books and Introduce Hubble 3D
Chattanooga, Tenn. (March 31, 2011) – Twenty-five years after the very public tragedy of the space shuttle Challenger, June Scobee Rodgers has written her private life story – her winding path through childhood poverty, homelessness, family dysfunction and twenty-six years of love and life with Challenger Commander Dick Scobee. And how she was able to triumph over adversity and discover new love and new life with Don Rodgers.
Entitled “Silver Linings,” this new book is the story, too, of that heartbreaking day in January 1986, when Scobee and his six crewmates, “slipped the surly bonds of Earth.” That day, June Scobee Rodgers’ life took a new direction that ultimately led to the creation of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. “My life and the space program have been interwoven since childhood,” said Scobee Rodgers. “And I hope readers will gain an understanding of the power of positive thought and how I was able to harness that power to overcome personal struggles and a national tragedy and turn it into a positive for others.”
Having served on the Vatican Observatory Foundation’s board of directors, Scobee Rodgers has a deep appreciation for what the Hubble Space Telescope has meant to everyone. “Hubble has opened the door of this universe for all of us,” said Scobee Rodgers. “And Hubble 3D is an amazing film that goes beyond most people’s expectations. For me, it illustrates how science and religion are not only compatible; they are wondrously complementary to one another. This is also one of the themes of Silver Linings.”
Dr. Scobee Rodgers will hold a special book signing at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater this Sunday, April 3rd from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. She will also appear before audiences to introduce Hubble 3D during the 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm showings of the film. Space flight directors from the Challenger STEM Center at UTC will also greet guests.
Sunday’s showings will be among the final opportunities for audiences to see this inspirational film which takes people on a virtual tour of the known universe. Hubble 3D introduces people to the Atlantis STS-125 crew who bravely undertook some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed during the final Hubble repair mission. These breath-taking scenes, with Earth looming in the distance, are paired with stunning 3D flights through actual Hubble imagery of the cosmos.
According to Tennessee Valley native and retired astronaut Roger Crouch, Hubble 3D is the closest thing to actual spaceflight. “You won’t feel the G-forces I experienced on liftoff,” said Crouch. “But the giant screen and 3D effects do a pretty good job of putting you in orbit with the astronauts.”
Scobee Rodgers hopes that people will be motivated by the gripping stories of both Hubble 3D and Silver Linings. While the film documents the achievements of NASA astronauts, her book chronicles how her faith guided her to great achievements and helped lead others to follow their dreams. “I have found great joy helping establish the educational programs offered through the Challenger Centers worldwide,” said Scobee Rodgers. “And today I am continuing to work with NASA and private industry to get student payloads aboard sub-orbital spacecraft. I believe that once your dreams come true, it’s your job to help others reach their goals. Ad Astra – to the stars. Always reach for the stars.”
The countdown clock to see Hubble 3D at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater is ticking. The last showing is scheduled to launch at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 7th.
Born To Be Wild 3D premieres at IMAX on Friday, April 8th at Noon.
###
