Mystic Aquarium

MYSTIC, Conn. – Join famed oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard as he discusses his recent deep-sea discoveries, introduces you to his new, state-of-the-art ship of exploration and reveals the details of his 2010 expedition – all via a live webcast! On December 3, Immersion Learning™ webcasts bring Dr. Ballard live to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and Immersion sites across the country.

The live webcasts are the first to take place from Dr. Ballard’s new Inner Space Center at the University of Rhode Island Narragansett Campus, which serves as “mission control” for undersea exploration.

Dr. Ballard will share stories and underwater video from the Institute for Exploration team’s recent expedition to the Aegean Sea, where they discovered five shipwreck sites from aboard the E/V Nautilus, Dr. Ballard’s new ship of exploration. The ship is linked to the Inner Space Center, allowing scientists and Immersion Learning students to “step aboard,” regardless of their location. Dr. Ballard will introduce audiences to the Nautilus and discuss his 2010 expedition, a six-month trip that includes a return to the Aegean and Black seas, as well as his first-ever exploration of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

“The Institute for Exploration team is very much looking forward to visiting these new, underexplored areas,” said Dr. Ballard. “We suspect that the Central Indian Ridge has a landscape and habitats similar to those of the mid-Atlantic Ridge, where we explored the fascinating hydrothermal vents of Lost City. Using the Nautilus’ new sonar and sensory technology, we will be able to capture underwater footage and images of the highest quality and send them back to the Inner Space Center for distribution to a network of Exploration Command Centers, including one right at Mystic Aquarium in the Challenge of the Deep exhibition. Scientists, students and the public will be able to experience our discoveries in real time.”

The 30-minute live webcasts can be watched on immersionlearning.org at 1:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. or in the Immersion Theater, located in the Challenge of the Deep exhibition at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (1:30 and 4:30 only). Viewers may submit their questions and comments before or during the webcast for the question-and-answer session.

About Immersion Learning™
Immersion Learning™ was founded by Dr. Robert Ballard and Dr. Stephen Coan in 2002. Through live broadcasts from scientific expeditions, hands-on activities and an engaging Web site, this non-profit science education organization brings ocean adventures and discoveries from Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, the University of Rhode Island and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration to more than 500,000 kids in classrooms, after-school settings, such as Boys & Girls Clubs, and other informal learning arenas each year.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Learning are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3organization. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.