As NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory prepares its next interplanetary mission, a different kind of exploration is set to take place at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Charles Elachi, former director of NASA-JPL and Caltech professor emeritus, will join Huntington President Karen R. Lawrence for a public conversation examining the interplay between science and the humanities.
The event, “Why It Matters: Charles Elachi in Conversation with Karen R. Lawrence,” is part of The Huntington’s Why It Matters series and aims to shed light on how these seemingly disparate fields fuel each other’s progress and imagination.
Scheduled for 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Education and Visitor Center’s Rothenberg Hall, the free discussion with reservation will also be available via livestream for those unable to attend in person.
This timely conversation aligns with the broader fall 2024 Getty initiative PST ART: Art & Science Collide, which encompasses over 70 exhibitions across Southern California focused on the intersection of art and science.
Elachi, who led NASA-JPL from 2001 to 2016, brings a wealth of experience in remote sensing and planetary exploration to the discussion.
His expertise, combined with Lawrence’s leadership in the humanities, promises to offer unique insights into the value of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex global challenges.
The event underscores The Huntington’s commitment to fostering dialogue between different fields of study, reflecting a growing trend in both academic and public spheres. By exploring the connection between scientific discovery and humanistic inquiry, Elachi and Lawrence aim to demonstrate how cross-disciplinary collaboration can lead to innovative thinking and groundbreaking discoveries.
The conversation is expected to touch on surprising findings as science and the humanities intersect, as well as the spirit of optimism that drives scientific careers. Attendees will also gain insight into how planetary exploration fuels imagination.
The Huntington is concurrently hosting two related exhibitions: “Storm Cloud: Picturing the Origins of Our Climate Crisis” and “Growing and Knowing in the Gardens of China,” both on view until Jan. 6, 2025. The exhibitions further exemplify the institution’s focus on cross-disciplinary exploration of human culture and history.
The event’s significance highlights Southern California’s pivotal role in space exploration and scientific advancement. It also contributes to the ongoing dialogue about integrating arts, humanities, and sciences to address global challenges and foster innovation.
Elachi, who joined The Huntington’s Board of Governors in July 2021, brings his international recognition, which includes the French Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.
Reservations for both in-person attendance and livestream access can be made at https://huntington.org/why-it-
