Ray Villard: News Director for the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) at NASA. Image courtesy of Otakon

ART NEWS: NASA News Director examines the intersection of Space and Anime movie. He will take a deep look at how outer space discoveries are influencing space anime.

BY ARTCENTRON

BALTIMORE, MD – Ray Villard, News Director for the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is one of the special guests at this year’s Otakon in Baltimore. STScI operates the science program for the Hubble Space Telescope. Villard’s job includes artfully communicating new discoveries to the media and the public. Villard’s appearance augments the overall theme of “space” that underlines this year’s Otakon. The event runs from August 8 to 10 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland.

NASA News Director Finds Connection Between Space and Anime

Threading the relationship between Anime and outer space, Jim Vowles, Director of Guests & Industry Relations said:

As much as cherry blossoms, Tokyo, or Mount Fuji, outer space has been the scenic backdrop for iconic anime. All those beautiful backgrounds are rooted in the images that come from the space program. Whether it’s Yamato silhouetted against the starry sky or the aspirations of the Space Brothers, the imagery can be truly inspiring.

Villard is an effective communicator with many awards. He has received several NASA service awards for his contribution to publicizing the institution’s programs and discoveries. He specialized in communicating astronomy in 1974 and was previously an associate editor for the popular magazine Astronomy.

Villard has written a variety of freelance articles for magazines, encyclopedias, and Internet blogs. He has also written scripts for several syndicated science programs on public radio. His presence at this year’s Otakon is an opportunity for fans to explore and understand the mystery of outer space.

As much as cherry blossoms, Tokyo, or Mount Fuji, outer space has been the scenic backdrop for iconic anime.

Ray Villard

In 2004, Villard published an illustrated astronomy book on the discovery of extrasolar planets entitled Infinite Worlds. Villard co-wrote a video adaption of the book for the National Geographic Channel. That program, Alien Earth’s, was nominated for the 2010 Prime Time Emmy Awards.

Between Space Anime and Outer Space

Anime fans attending this year’s event will get the opportunity to share the experience of the NASA News Director. They will also learn how the STScI does its work and documents new discoveries. The connection between outer space and anime will thrill anime fans and all those who love the mystery of space. Below is the Outer Space thriller that will set up the discussion with Villard. He says he is ready to share a world of experience at this year’s Otakon.

Space Anime Fans

Space anime fans attending this year’s Otakon can prepare for Villard by watching as many anime space movies. They should also bring a lot of questions.

YouTube/[KXS] Outer Space

Do you think the NASA News Director is right to make a connection between space and anime movies? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment.