Robert D. Ballard, the renowned deep-sea explorer and scientist who discovered the sunken Titanic, the Bismarck and the Yorktown, will lecture at the University of Colorado at Boulder on Feb. 3.
Ballard, one of the world's premiere spokespersons for marine research, will give a free illustrated lecture on "Deep Sea Explorations" at 8 p.m. in Macky Auditorium. The 34th annual George Gamow Memorial Lecture is intended for general audiences.
Ballard is the founder and president of the Institute for Exploration at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., founder and chairman of the JASON Foundation for education and chairman of Odyssey Corp. He also is a scientist emeritus of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he was a senior scientist and director of the Center for Marine Exploration.
Ballard has led or participated in more than 100 deep-sea expeditions using deep-diving submersibles. These expeditions included the first manned exploration of the Mid-Ocean Ridge, the discovery of warm water springs and their unusual animal communities in the Galapagos Rift, and the discovery of high-temperature "black smokers" or underwater volcanic vents.
Ballard also discovered 11 warships from the lost fleet of Guadalcanal and participated in the exploration of the luxury liner Lusitania and the hospital ship Britannic.
After searching for 12 years, Ballard led the expedition that discovered the Titanic in 1985.
He has published 50 articles in scientific journals and written 10 articles for National Geographic Magazine. He also has participated in educational television programs with PBS, the National Geographic Society and the BBC.
Ballard has received numerous prizes including the National Geographic Society's most prestigious award, the Hubbard Medal, the Newcomb Cleveland Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Lowell Thomas Award from the Explorers Club, the Underwater Society of America Award for Science and several honorary degrees.
The George Gamow lecture series has featured public talks by internationally famous scientists since 1971. The series honors the late CU-Boulder physics professor who helped develop the big-bang theory of the creation of the universe. All Gamow lectures are intended to communicate science to non-scientists.
Parking will be available at the Euclid Autopark next to the University Memorial Center for $1.25. From Denver take Highway 36 to the Baseline Road exit, turn left on Baseline, right on Broadway and right again at the second traffic light, onto Euclid. The parking structure is located one-half block down Euclid on the left.
Parking for the disabled will be available in lot 380 near Macky Auditorium and attendants will be on duty. People who need parking assistance should call in advance.
For information call 303-492-6431.