Comments on: Carolyn Porco speaks at Boulder on April 28

By: Anne Verbiscer

Anne Verbiscer — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:30:14 +0000

I have known Carolyn Porco for more than twenty years and can attest to the fact that for her, planetary science is not merely an occupation, but a lifelong consummate passion. I encourage those fortunate enough to be in the Boulder/Denver area on April 28th to attend her talk on the CU campus. The enthusiasm and energy with which she presents Cassini’s spectacular images from Saturn are infectious as well as inspiring. So, don’t miss this opportunity to sit back and enjoy a front row seat on a spaceship a billion miles from the Sun for a visual tour of one of the most fascinating places in the Solar System, guided by the leader of the team responsible for bringing those images to humankind.

And I echo Kim Poor’s comment above… fortunate indeed.

By: kathyegan

kathyegan — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:50:47 +0000

If I may ask, why would Gregory Benford make up the story
about Carolyn Porco and why did the Cassini disk end up the
way it did rather than with the images and artwork initially planned?

I am not trying to put down anyone, I would just like to know
why one person supposedly lied over another? What went on
that we are not being told about?

By: Kim Poor

Kim Poor — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:25:19 +0000

I’ve known Carolyn Porco since she was a research assistant for Brad Smith (the Voyager imaging team leader) in the late 70s. She is a driven individual, and her personal power and brilliance has rubbed some men (who considered themselves AS briliant and driven, also) the wrong way, when they find out that they are mere mortals in the presence of real greatness.

I built Spacefest around her storied talk, and cancelled the ‘Fest once when the dates didn’t work out for her. It was a resounding success, due in no small part to Carolyn and the BA’s talks. Although many came to see the seven of the nine living Moonwalkers we assembled, she so charmed Gene Cernan and Buzz Aldrin with her knowledge that they still talk about it.

She will fill textbooks and journals with her briliiance and findings for generations. We are fortunate to live in this era.

Kim Poor

By: Dave Schlom

Dave Schlom — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:04:42 +0000

Carolyn Porco isn’t nice?

Fascinating. If a male scientist were in her position as the leader of the most visible instrument — the very eyes as it were — of the most spectacularly successful spacecraft ever to scientifically investigate the outer solar system — would we be reading some of these comments? Hmmmm…

Carolyn is a fabulous speaker and if you have the opportunity to go see her — by all means do. She is as spectacular as the images she oversees being beamed back from the Saturnian system every day. You are in for a treat.

As far as the comments on the “controversy” with Benford goes, it is much ado about nothing (based on my fact checking on the matter and Dr. Porco’s own straight forward explanation).

There seems to be a small faction of people that like to make snotty comments (often anonymously) about Carolyn in a variety of forums. Like any famous person doing incredible work — you get your detractors. It kind of reminds me of the people that Phil started combating at the start of this Bad Astronomy website. People that try to tear down the Apollo Program by claiming the whole thing is a hoax. Jim Oberg called them “cultural vandals.” Go accomplish something great — then you might not have time for engaging in ad hominem bashing.

Is Carolyn Porco nice? Does it matter? To those who actually know her — yes it does. Carolyn Porco is a brilliant scientist who has overcome many obstacles to accomplish great things. She’s also one of the most kind and generous souls on the planet. But she will defend herself if she feels wrongfully dealt with in a public forum. If the facts weren’t on her side — she wouldn’t bother. The fact that she does, tells you something.

And for the record — Carolyn Porco is nice.

By: Carolyn Porco

Carolyn Porco — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:11:24 +0000

Nope…haven’t done anything wrong, and not trying to wiggle. Just have a very different point of view.

A diversity of opinions and views is to be expected in almost all things in life, and this situation is no different.

By: mike mimas

mike mimas — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:23:59 +0000

once again you see Dr Porco trying to wiggle out of situations and actions where she got caught doing something wrong.

By: Carolyn Porco

Carolyn Porco — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:23:39 +0000

Doug, I appreciate your support here. Thanks very much.

But, before we all put it behind us, I have to say I’m not even sure what you mean by `agreeing to disagree’. The whole issue was, as I said, a gross misinterpretation and misunderstanding, on both sides. In the end, not a disagreement at all.

And now that it’s been cleared up (hopefully for good), let’s give it all a rest, and enjoy Cassini’s new lease on life….especially this coming August when we dive in for another extremely close at Enceladus. It isn’t everyday that we discover an environment within our solar system, outside of Earth, that is this fascinating. So, let’s stay focused on what’s up ahead.

Best to all of you.