We're trying to catch up with Neil deGrasse Tyson, who we know is here
to see the launch. The problem is, Neil is a VIP, and the VIP group has
their own badges, their own escort, and their own agenda.
We have set up a general plan, but I'm basically reduced to waiting and trying to spot him among the thousand or so people milling around. We have three hours before launch; I fill the time walking circuits through the crowd, scanning for Neil. I feel like a celebrity stalker...
Then I get word: he's here! I get to where he is, and find him surrounded by folks wanting his attention. We manage a quick hello, then he's off to do a live webcast; I'll get him for ten minutes when that's done.
We have set up a general plan, but I'm basically reduced to waiting and trying to spot him among the thousand or so people milling around. We have three hours before launch; I fill the time walking circuits through the crowd, scanning for Neil. I feel like a celebrity stalker...
Then I get word: he's here! I get to where he is, and find him surrounded by folks wanting his attention. We manage a quick hello, then he's off to do a live webcast; I'll get him for ten minutes when that's done.
Once he's free, we hurry over to the roof of the CBS News building
where I'm set up. Along the way we discuss what we'll be doing; Neil is
incredibly busy and this is the first chance we've had to connect about
our update.
I have to say that Neil looks fantastic; he's impeccably dressed in a beautiful dark suit. In this heat, he has my sympathy; we're all sweating, but he's the only one who has to appear on camera.
Just before starting, Neil removes his NASA badge and empties his pockets. Inexplicably, he pulls a full size microphone out of his inside jacket pocket; seeing my quizzical look, he sighs and says "It's a long story..."
We frame our shot, I feed him a question, and then Neil goes into action. Whatever other talents and expertise the man has, he is an awesome communicator; his energy is impressive (especially wearing that suit in this heat!), and his passion is contagious.
We have no script -- he just riffs, and it is a joy to watch and listen. He reflects on the huge impact Hubble has had on not only science, but the public. And he mentions that it's been 40 years since we went to the Moon, and it's time for America to stop resting on our laurels and tackle new challenges.
I ask him to reflect on the risk, since it's very much on my mind, and he is friends with some of the astronauts onboard. He reminds us that risk is inevitable, but makes the point that one cannot evaluate whether a risk is worth taking unless one considers the potential reward - in the case of this mission to Hubble, the immense scientific benefits that await if the telescope is upgraded.
And he finishes by noting that all the astronauts believe deeply in the goal of furthering science through improving Hubble, so for them the decision to take the risk is, if not easy, then certainly clear.
After 15 whirlwind minutes, Neil collects his pocket stuff and departs to rejoin his VIP group for the launch. I never do hear the story of why he's carrying that mysterious microphone around in his pocket...
I have to say that Neil looks fantastic; he's impeccably dressed in a beautiful dark suit. In this heat, he has my sympathy; we're all sweating, but he's the only one who has to appear on camera.
Just before starting, Neil removes his NASA badge and empties his pockets. Inexplicably, he pulls a full size microphone out of his inside jacket pocket; seeing my quizzical look, he sighs and says "It's a long story..."
We frame our shot, I feed him a question, and then Neil goes into action. Whatever other talents and expertise the man has, he is an awesome communicator; his energy is impressive (especially wearing that suit in this heat!), and his passion is contagious.
We have no script -- he just riffs, and it is a joy to watch and listen. He reflects on the huge impact Hubble has had on not only science, but the public. And he mentions that it's been 40 years since we went to the Moon, and it's time for America to stop resting on our laurels and tackle new challenges.
I ask him to reflect on the risk, since it's very much on my mind, and he is friends with some of the astronauts onboard. He reminds us that risk is inevitable, but makes the point that one cannot evaluate whether a risk is worth taking unless one considers the potential reward - in the case of this mission to Hubble, the immense scientific benefits that await if the telescope is upgraded.
And he finishes by noting that all the astronauts believe deeply in the goal of furthering science through improving Hubble, so for them the decision to take the risk is, if not easy, then certainly clear.
After 15 whirlwind minutes, Neil collects his pocket stuff and departs to rejoin his VIP group for the launch. I never do hear the story of why he's carrying that mysterious microphone around in his pocket...
