NASA and the Science of Superman

NASA and the Science of Superman

“Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” These are just a few of Superman’s incredible abilities, thanks to his origin as a “strange visitor from another planet.” Since his 1938 creation by Clevelanders Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the “man of tomorrow” has been rooted in science fiction. In this presentation, Dr. Jerry Myers, NASA scientist, will explore how the origin and abilities of Superman (and several other superheroes) compare with the real-life skills, science, and technology that enable NASA’s astronauts to push the boundaries of aviation and space exploration.

About Dr. Jerry Myers

Dr. Jerry Myers has more than twenty years of experience with models and simulations that focus on improving how NASA approaches astronaut health. Located at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Myers currently serves as a project scientist to the NASA Human Research Program’s Crew Health and Performance Probabilistic Risk Analysis project, which seeks to understand the risks and physiological effects of spaceflight to improve spacecraft and mission design. Myers joined NASA in 2000 after receiving his doctoral degree at the University of Alabama in 1996. He completed research in advanced heat exchange systems modeling at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and in heart disease computational modeling at the University of Toronto. Myers also serves as a founding member and current chair of the NIH/NIBIB-sponsored Interagency Modeling and Analysis Group’s Committee on Credible Practice of Modeling and Simulation in Healthcare.

NASA Glenn Research Center

Located near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Glenn’s main campus, Lewis Field, has world-class facilities including wind tunnels, drop towers, vacuum chambers, and a research aircraft hangar.

NASA Family Day at the IMSS

This event is free with admission and open to the public. July 27 is Family Day at the IMSS! Reduced admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth 17 and under. Military, seniors, and 3 and under are free.

Questions? Email info@imss.org or call us at 312-642-6502

Parking: 1350 N Lake Shore Drive or the Chicago History Museum lot

Accessibility: The Museum has an accessible entrance and elevator that goes to all four floors. For additional accommodations contact us.