Teacher Astronaut Barbara Morgan to Give Free Talk in Boise

By J. Gelband, 11-28-07

Admit it, you want to know what it feels like to float around in zero gravity. Now you have the chance to ask someone who has actually been weightless in space. Idaho teacher and astronaut Barbara Morgan, who flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavor last summer, will speak at a free public lecture at Boise State University Dec. 10.

I’m sure “what’s it like?” will be the first question asked, so if you plan to attend the Q-and-A session, think up some more stirring and specific questions about back pain relief or drinking beer in space. Or even something physics related.

The second-, third- and fourth-grade teacher from McCall participated in the Teacher in Space program as the backup to Christa McAuliffe for the Space Shuttle Challenger that tragically exploded in 1986. She later trained as a Mission Specialist and flew aboard Endeavor last August in an educator-astronaut mission.

Tickets are necessary and are likely to go quickly for the event at the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts in Boise at 6:30. The free tickets are available now and only at the Discovery Center of Idaho during regular business hours must be picked up in person. No ticket reservations and only four tickets per adult.

Someone should ask if astronaut ice cream is less awful tasting in space.