Event Horizon Telescope AnnouncingThe First Image of Sagittarius A*,The Supermassive Black Hole of Our Own
May 12, 2022. National Press Club, Washington DC.
Important Question: Why this orange blob AGAIN?
The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) captured two historically significant images of supermassive black holes:
M87* in 2019 and Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) in 2022.
Following the historic 2019 celebration of the Event Horizon Telescope’s (EHT) first black hole image, M87*, my team and I anticipated a crucial public question: ‘Why, three years later, was a significant investment made to capture another similar ‘orange blob’ of Sagittarius A*?’ We recognized that complex technical details could overshadow the profound narrative.
I took the lead in guiding our scientists to directly address this curiosity. My vision for the animation was to illuminate the unique significance of the Sgr A* image by focusing on three key aspects:
- Our Galactic Heart: Visualizing Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole nestled at the very center of our own Milky Way galaxy.
- Comparative Insights: Explaining and illustrating the major differences between these two colossal black holes, revealing why both images were essential for a comprehensive understanding.
- A Planet-Sized Eye: Demystifying the incredible engineering behind the EHT – how powerful observatories spanning the globe connected to form a virtual telescope the size of Earth itself.
This animation successfully bridged the gap between intricate scientific details and public understanding. It was instrumental in helping policymakers and the public grasp the importance of funding such groundbreaking research, ultimately making complex astrophysics relatable and showcasing the unparalleled significance of the Sgr A* image.
National Press Club, Washington DCMay 12, 2022
The announcement happened to be on my birthday.
All my NSF colleagues and leadership on site even sang the birthday song for me!
Best day of my LIFE!
My Roles
Directed the storytelling and visualization for the project. Independently managed most of the production process, including concept, script, storytelling, animation, sound design, and delivery. Earned profound appreciation from leading scientists, for making complex astrophysical discoveries accessible and understandable. Featured prominently at an international news release conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC Published in many mainstream news outlets and scientific communities.
Highlights
End-to-End Production Leadership: Being a "one-man band" to take charge of the entire production, from concept to storytelling, brainstorming with scientists, animation, sound design, music, and copyright, showcased comprehensive project management and creative direction skills. Deep Scientific Engagement and Translation: Brainstormed with scientists and set up the tones and implement everything. Bridged the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and public understanding. Empathetic Communication and Impact: Beyond just creating visuals; it's about making science personally meaningful and accessible, fulfilling mission to "discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe". Strategic Storytelling: "cultural storytelling" for conveying complex narratives. Not only what scientists and leadership want to deliver, but also what general audience wants to know.
Screenshots
