Jay Gallentine

Historian Jay Gallentine has a reputation for stripping away technobabble to focus on the intimate human stories behind space missions. His politely uncouth, casual writing style makes the topic accessible and enjoyable, while retaining accuracy worthy of a reference tome. Jay's lively and animated public talks have been well-received in classrooms, at science museums and Scout gatherings, and at space-themed conferences. His first book, "Ambassadors from Earth", detailing the turbulent early days of solar system exploration, was published in 2009 after five years of research. From the American Astronautical Society it received the 2009 Eugene M. Emme Award for Astronautical Literature. This award recognizes "the truly outstanding book published each year - serving public understanding about the positive impact of astronautics upon society." Learn more at www.facebook.com/ambassadorsfromearth In 2015, Jay will release "Infinity Beckoned: Adventuring through the Inner Solar System". Like its predecessor, this book also utilizes original research and numerous interviews with those who did the work. "Infinity" will explore such topics as how the Soviet Union put the first wheels on alien soil, why people still can't agree on whether or not life was found on Mars in 1976, and just how far backwards the Russians bent in order to fly balloons on Venus.