I recently spoke with Brendan Byrne (Instagram), host and Assistant News Director for Central Florida Public Media, and Jeff Sanford, vice president of engagement at the Orlando Science Center (Website), ahead of Science Night Live on Saturday, February 14, a special adults-only edition event that runs from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center. The event pairs live science experiences with a more social evening atmosphere, complete with food, cash bars, and performances.
A highlight of the night will be a fireside chat at 8:30 p.m. featuring astronaut and artist Nicole Stott (Instagram) and Christina Korp (Instagram), known in the space community as the "Astronaut Wrangler." Brendan Byrne will moderate the conversation, which is expected to explore not just the scientific work of astronauts but also the creative and human aspects of space exploration, from how art and science intersect to the logistics of preparing astronauts for public engagement.
Byrne, who covers space and aeronautics for Central Florida Public Media and hosts the space-focused podcast Are We There Yet?, described the session as a chance to go "beyond the launch pad" and delve into the narratives that make space exploration resonate with the public.
Sanford explained that speaking with astronauts in a relaxed, live setting gives audiences a feel for the personal curiosity and creativity that fuel careers in STEM fields.
Science Night Live is a separately ticketed portion of Spark STEM Fest, which runs from February 14 through February 16 with a full slate of interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences. Tickets to the adult evening and details on pricing are available through the Orlando Science Center's website.
A portion of this interview was shared in Episode 36 of "The Orlando Shine Show."