2008 Press Release

2008 Press Release

News Release Contact: Bonnie Stevens

Science Festival Zooms into Micro Worlds with Hot Zone Author

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.—Best-selling author Richard Preston, Ph.D., is scheduled to kick off the 2008 Flagstaff Festival of Science – Zoom into Science – as the Shoemaker Keynote Presenter at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26 in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium.
Preston, a first-rate investigative journalist and gifted storyteller, will take the audience on a journey into the relatively hidden depths of biological science where the truth can be far more startling than fiction. He first caught the world’s attention with his book, The Hot Zone, the international best seller that introduced the public to the threat of Ebola and other rain forest viruses. Preston’s other popular books include The Cobra Event, also a best seller, The Demon in the Freezer, The Wild Trees and First Light, an award-winning book about astronomy.
Whether delivering a grim account of what biological terrorism is capable of, sharing the inside story of how scientists are finding ways of protecting civilian populations, or revealing the dangerous and hauntingly beautiful lost world above the canopy, Preston shows audiences the world in a slightly different light than ever seen before.
As a result of his work and scientific contributions, an asteroid has been named “Preston.” It is expected to collide with Mars someday and cause an explosion visible throughout the solar system.
In addition, the 10-day Festival plans to Zoom into Science with telescopes, microscopes, lasers and other tools as participants time-travel to quasars at the edge of the universe, examine tiny organisms in a grossology exhibit, uncover petroglyphs that we can’t see with our eyes and reveal water that exists below the thirsty Sahara Desert. The Festival also will zoom into discovery with hybrid vehicles and flight at 7,000 feet!
The 2008 Flagstaff Festival of Science – Zoom into Science – Sept. 26 through Oct. 5, is celebrating its 19th season with more than 60 activities including archaeological digs, guided hikes, presentations and hands-on exhibits. Through the generous support of businesses, organizations and individuals, the Festival is able to offer all activities for FREE.
Supernova Friends include the City of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Cultural Partners, W. L. Gore & Associates, Bluecross Blueshield of Arizona, Arizona Humanities Council and Northern Arizona University.
For more on the developing program, visit the Festival Web site, www.scifest.org.
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Questions: scifest@earthlink.net