Speaking before a full house at the 3600-seat Landmark Theater, Dr. Robert Ballard wowed Richmond Forum subscribers and patrons with an update since his last visit to the forum 12 years ago. Since then, Ballard's vision of telepresence has become a reality, evidenced by a live video chat with Mission Leader, Dwight Coleman, aboard the E/V Nautilus, exploring off the coast of Israel. Ballard doesn't spend nearly the time at sea or underwater that he once did, thanks to remote command centers in his home and office, and the use of sophisticated, deep diving robots equipped with high definition cameras and manipulators. The new technology is enabling Ballard to explore more vast areas of the oceans than ever before.Ballard, a natural and passionate presenter working without notes, said that humans have only explored the tiniest percentage of the earth's oceans and natural resources. The United States has the largest underwater holdings in the world he said, yet "we have better maps of Mars." Ballard updated the audience about his latest explorations in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and spoke about the many discoveries still to be made, by his team and by future generations. Among those future explorers are the thousands of students who are now able to follow his explorations live at www.nautiluslive.org.
In a post program survey, 96% of respondents rated Dr. Ballard's presentation as good or excellent.
Sarah McConnell, host of the statewide public radio program, With Good Reason, also received praise as the moderator for the evening's audience Q&A.
Recording artist Susan Greenbaum provided live music before the program and during intermission, as well as a stirring National Anthem.
The Richmond Forum now takes a break for the holidays and will reconvene on January 14, 2012 for an evening with former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
