Death From the Skies Presentation Critique

Yesterday night, Tuesday November, 15, 2011, the University of Texas-Pan American hosted the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Speakers Series. We were fortunate enough to listen to Dr. Phil Plait very well known as “the bad astronomer.” Phil Plait is a famous blogger, writer and even hosted a T.V show for Discovery channel.

During his presentation, Dr. Plait taught the audience about the difference between asteroids and comets, explained the odds of either one of them hitting us during our life time, showed what the consequences could be if such event did occur and criticized the movie Armageddon. LOLZ.

Unlike many scientists, Dr. Plait was easy to understand and even pleasant to listen to. He kept the audience laughing with many sarcastic remarks and jokes he would throw every so often. I honestly went to the event only for extra credit but I was surprised by how a good speaker can make even a boring subject interesting. I would have never cared to take an astronomy course unless it was required until after this presentation. Now I am even contemplating buying Dr. Plait’s book, Death from the Skies!: These Are The Ways The World Will End.

Even at the end of his presentation, Dr. Plait allowed an extensive Q & A session that allowed the audience to interact with him directly. I was sincerely cracking up until the end. I even got a chance to touch a segment of a meteor. HOW COOL IS THAT?

At the end of the event, Dr. Plait was given a little token of appreciation on behalf of UTPA. He quickly showed his Bronc pride by wearing his UTPA Jacket and hat. He is smart, funny and down to earth which is a difficult place for astronomers to be).

Therefore, I my only and more realistic remark regarding the presentation is that “IT WAS AMAZING!!!” I highly encourage anyone interested in astronomy or even anyone just seeking entertainment to attend to this guy’s presentations.  They are just so wicked cool.