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Daily Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
How space centre can inspire young minds to look up more
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Audrey J Ansibin Text Size: Plenty Out There members setting up a telescope for one of their stargazing activities. (Pic: Plenty Out There / FB) IN October 1957, a boy from small town US witnessed the launching of Sputnik into space, becoming the first satellite in earth's orbit. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the 1999 biographical drama film 'October Sky' tells the story of Homer 'Sonny' Hickam who, after witnessing the launch of the Soviet rocket, skyrocketed his passion in space travel and rocketry. That moment opened the eyes of Homer, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, that there's more to life than Coalwood, West Virginia. The Sputnik launch started the US-Russia space race. Because a year later in Jan 31, the US launched its own Explorer-I. This sparked something in young Homer to reach for the stars – quite literally. His passion would later enliven his sleepy coal-mining small town, Coalwood, into believing in the impossible. 'Persevere with a plan to reach your passion, and life will be good,' Homer says. If you've seen 'October Sky', which is an anagram for 'Rocket Boys', based on Homer's best-selling memoir (1998) about his rocket-building antics with his Big Creek High School peers, you'd laugh and cry with them, because it's a heartfelt movie not just about chasing an impossible dream but also about life in a small town with its ups and downs – some of which were centred around Homer's home life. Homer attributed his high school science teacher for helping him realise his dream in space travel. This brings us to the subject of astronomy in Malaysia. Why aren't our schools encouraging young minds to look up? The proposed space centre aka rocket launch site in Sabah has been brought up many times. Will it materialise this time around? In the first part of this series, Logesh Kumar Selvakumar, Space Education Manager of Malaysian Association of Rocketry and Space (MARS), likened Sabah to the world-renowned launch site Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. 'Sabah's near equatorial location is ideal for a space centre. It offers a geographic advantage similar to launch sites like Kourou in French Guiana which is located at 5.1694° N,' Logesh said in the earlier interview. 'Considering Sabah's latitude is 5.4204° N, its near-equator location offers some great benefits similar to Guiana Space Center.' As to why Malaysia hasn't seen a Malaysian sent to space since Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor's stint in October 2007, Logesh said 'it largely comes down to funding and national priorities'. 'Space programmes are costly and require long-term commitment, which hasn't been sustained since the Angkasawan Program.' Logesh later revealed some fascinating details about the prospects of having Malaysia's first female astronaut in the form of Vanmitha Athimoolam. He said the USM engineering rocketry team pinned its hopes on the former grad student at the varsity as the next contender to fly the Malaysian flag in space. He added that schools should encourage young people in space studies. 'I think it comes down to how the Stem teachers in school want to encourage students in astronomy.' In this second part of the series, we also talk with USM's second-year Computer Science student, Yvonne Low, as well as Sabah Chinese High School, Tawau's Plenty Out There Astronomy Club. Below is the interview: DE: Can you introduce yourself to the readers? Yvonne: I'm a second-year Computer Science student and currently serve as the President of the Astronomy Club. While I'm still fairly new to the field, my love for stargazing sparked a deeper interest in astronomy. I'm excited to take on this role and share that fascination with others, while also learning more along the way. Plenty Out There: I am from the Plenty Out There Astronomy Club, an extracurricular club under Sabah Chinese High School, Tawau. The club was founded in 2012 and over the past 13 years, we have focused a lot on astrophotography. Each year, we organize an astrophotography camp or workshop, usually held either in Tingkayu or Kundasang, where members and participants can experience capturing the beauty of the night sky. Besides that, our club is also actively involved in developing astrotourism and stargazing tourism in Tawau, a new form of tourism aimed at attracting more visitors to the area while promoting interest in astronomy. Our club's main objectives are to provide a platform for students to pursue their passion for astronomy and to bring people closer to the wonders of the universe through community sharing and outreach activities. DE: Recent news reports say the Sabah State government is studying the feasibility of having a space centre in the State. If everything goes well, it will put Sabah on the map as it will be the first such facility in Southeast Asia. Do you think Sabah is a strategic place for such a centre? Yvonne: In my opinion, Sabah is a very strategic location for a space centre. Its position near the equator makes it ideal for satellite launches, as less energy is needed to reach orbit. Sabah also has vast open areas with low light pollution and minimal air traffic, which are great conditions for both launches and space observation. With the feasibility study expected to be finalised by July, this project could be a game-changer. If it moves forward, it has the potential to put Malaysia on the map in the global space industry and open up new opportunities in science, technology, and education – especially for young people interested in astronomy like myself. Plenty Out There: That would definitely be a welcome boost for our country's aerospace industry. At the moment, the best potential location to build a launch pad is in Sabah, likely somewhere around Lahad Datu and Tawau. DE: It also means more job opportunities for Malaysians interested in astronomy, which means less brain drain. How competitive is this field job-wise? Yvonne: Astronomy is quite a competitive field, especially internationally, where the space industry is more developed. In Malaysia, the space sector is still growing and remains relatively small, so job openings are limited. That said, as new initiatives like the proposed space centre in Sabah take shape, we may see more opportunities open up in the future. Since the feasibility study announcement early this year on the proposed Sabah space centre, what do you think the parties involved are taking into consideration before giving the project the greenlight? In my view, they're likely evaluating the financial investment required, long-term sustainability, available infrastructure, and the potential for educational and research development. They would also need to consider public interest and how the centre can attract international partnerships to make it a success. Plenty Out There: We need experts from a variety of fields to help advance the level of astronomy and the space engineering in our country. Besides astrophysicists, we also require a lots of engineers, programmers, IT specialists and educators to work together in developing this field. DE: How does the study of astronomy impact the development of a country? Why isn't it a more popular subject in Malaysia, a fast-developing country in Southeast Asia? Yvonne: Astronomy promotes technological innovation, critical thinking, and scientific literacy. It contributes to advancements in navigation, communication, and aerospace technologies. In Malaysia, however, the subject is not widely pursued due to limited resources, a stronger focus on more immediate economic priorities, and a lack of awareness or infrastructure supporting astronomy education. Plenty Out There: Astronomy is the study of the world we live in. It seeks to understand how the universe was formed and how the things around us work. However, there's a common misconception that astronomy is purely a theoretical science with no practical/application value. In reality, the pursuit of deeper knowledge about space drives the development of new systems and techniques that are more sensitive, accurate, and advanced. These innovations often lead to practical applications and create new economic opportunities, contributing to industries beyond astronomy itself. DE: Why haven't we seen a second Malaysian astronaut sent to space since Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor's space stint on Oct 10, 2007? Yvonne: Sending an astronaut to space requires long-term planning, significant funding, and strong international collaboration. While Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's mission was a proud achievement for the country, Malaysia has yet to establish a sustained space program or allocate the necessary resources to support future missions. As a result, we haven't seen a follow-up mission since then. Plenty Out There: Malaysia needs to have a clear and focused objective if we are truly determined to advance our knowledge in astronomy. Unfortunately, we often lack a long-term and consistent plan to sustain the development of this field. DE: Do you think having a space observatory centre is crucial in sustaining interest in the subject? Why do some states in Malaysia not prioritise this facility as part of human capital development? Yvonne: Yes, observatories play a big role in keeping people engaged with astronomy. They offer hands-on experiences that you just can't get from textbooks. However, some states may not prioritise building them due to budget constraints or because they focus on industries with quicker economic returns. Still, investing in science facilities is important for long-term growth and inspiration. Plenty Out There: Yes, we do have a few observatories in Malaysia, including the national observatory in Langkawi. However, many of these observatories are either underutilized or primarily serve for religious purposes rather than being actively involved in scientific research. DE: Is the city skyline in Malaysia suitable for backyard stargazing? Where would you suggest amateur stargazers carry out their hobby if they're not in any astronomy groups? Yvonne: Most cities in Malaysia have too much light pollution for proper stargazing. For better views, I'd suggest going to rural areas, the highlands like Cameron Highlands or Kundasang, or joining events at public observatories. Even without being in a club, there are many quiet spots perfect for enjoying the night sky. Plenty Out There: Depending on where you live, light pollution remains a big concern for stargazing enthusiasts. However, I've seen some amateur astronomers successfully capture stunning deep space objects using suitable light pollution filters. For amateur stargazers, it's important to bring the right equipment, plan your observations in advance and when possible, seek darker skies to achieve the best results. However, I'm strongly encourage you to join an astronomy groups, either physically or virtually. Most of the members are very friendly and can greatly enhance your stargazing experience. DE: How often do schools carry out astronomy-related activities in Malaysia? Yvonne: Not very often, unfortunately. Some schools with active science clubs do hold stargazing nights or space-themed workshops, but these aren't widespread. I believe with more outreach and support, astronomy could become a more regular part of school activities and inspire more students. Plenty Out There: In general, not much. There are very few schools with astronomy club and most of them do not have telescope in their lab. DE: What astronomy-related movies would you suggest to the readers who may be interested in the subject? Yvonne: I'd suggest Interstellar. It's a great introduction to space science for the general audience—it blends real astrophysics with an emotional story about exploration, time, and survival. The film touches on concepts like black holes, time dilation, and space travel in a way that's both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Even if you're new to astronomy, it sparks curiosity about what lies beyond our planet. Plenty Out There: "Contact", "Armageddon" and "The Martian". But if you really like Einstein's relativity, "Interstellar" is the best.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
West Virginia authors who had their books turned into movies
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — Despite its size, West Virginia has its fair share of bestselling authors, but only a small handful of them have been lucky enough to see their books adapted to the big screen. That being said, there might be more than you think: at least eight movies have been released that were adapted from books written by a West Virginia author, along with one Netflix television series. Homer Hickam, who is from Coalwood, West Virginia in McDowell County, said on his website that the original story about his dream to become a rocket scientist started out as an article in Air & Space Magazine in 1994, but was later expanded upon into a full-length book. Easily the most well-known movie on this list, 'October Sky' is an adaptation of Hickam's novel 'Rocket Boys,' published in 1998, with the movie premiering only five months later in February of 1999, with Jake Gyllenhaal playing the role of Homer Hickam. In 2021, 12 News was able to speak with Hickam during a visit to a Mountaineer Middle School, who said the state prepared him for life in many ways, and the obstacles he overcame living in West Virginia were a vital part of that preparation. 'My message is that it's great to be a West Virginian. You've got advantages that you don't even know about. You had to overcome obstacles your whole life and that's going to help you out throughout life,' Hickam said during the interview. 'I just want young people to be proud of who they are and recognize what a great state that they're from, and you're gonna go out there in the world full of common sense and knowing you can overcome obstacles.' You can watch 12 News' 2021 interview with Hickam below. Coincidentally, there is also an Indian television series also called 'Rocket Boys,' but the story is unrelated to Hickam's book and covers the events that led to India becoming a nuclear power. Going from the most famous adaptation to the most recent, Edward Ashton's book 'Mickey 7' was recently adapted as 'Mickey 17' and hit theaters on March 7, 2025, three years after the book was first published in February 2022. Ashton, who grew up in Fairmont, said in a recent interview with 12 News that he was 'really glad to be able to call [himself] a West Virginian,' and was heavily influenced by two of his English teachers at Fairmont Senior High School. The movie itself stars multiple copies of Robert Pattinson, who is perhaps best known for his roles in Twilight, Harry Potter and The Batman. The film was directed by South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, whose previous movies include Parasite and Snowpiercer (2013). The first book written by a West Virginia author to be adapted into a movie was written by Davis Grubb, a Moundsville native. 'The Night of the Hunter,' was published in 1953 and adapted into a movie just two years later. The book follows the actions of Henry Powell, who is based on the real West Virginia serial killer, Harry Powers. Powers, also known as the 'Lonely Hearts Killer' or 'West Virginia Bluebeard,' would assume false identities and form relationships with widows before inevitably killing them after they had withdrawn money from their own bank accounts. Powers killed at least five women this way. West Virginia's serial killers and how they were caught 'The Night of the Hunter' was also adapted into a made-for-TV movie in 1991, with Grubb credited as one of the writers on the production and Richard Chamberlain cast in the role of Harry Powers. Grubb's 1969 book 'Fools' Parade' was also adapted into a movie. Starring Jimmy Stewart and featuring Kurt Russell, George Kennedy and Anne Baxter, 'Fools' Parade' follows a crew of recently released inmates who are attempting to cash in on their prison savings while simultaneously being pursued for the money by a corrupt prison guard. Starring William Dafoe, Danny Glover, Brad Johnson and Rosanna Arquette, 'Flight of the Intruder' by Stephen Coonts tells the story of American naval pilot Jake Grafton during the Vietnam War. According to his website, Coonts was born in Buckhannon in 1946 and attended West Virginia University before joining the U.S. Navy. 'Flight of the Intruder' was his first novel and was published by the Naval Institute Press in 1986, getting adapted to the big screen five years later. Carlene Thompson was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and although she has lived in many states during her life, she has returned to live in Point Pleasant on more than one occasion. 'Noir Comme Le Souvenir' is a French film adaptation of her first book 'Black For Remembrance' a mystery and suspense novel. According to Thompson's biography page on her website, Thompson's favorite kinds of stories to write are 'book-length psychological mysteries with a bit of romance,' and has written 19 books between 1991 and 2022. Thompson's 1995 book 'The Way You Look Tonight' was adapted to film in 2014 by a French filmmaker named Jean-Pierre Mocky, the same person who adapted her first book 'Black For Remembrance' almost 20 years earlier. Mocky has his own website dedicated to his extensive work in the French film industry that even has some on-set photos and recordings from the production of 'Tu Es Si Joli Ce Soir.' Perhaps the most poignant movie on this list is the documentary adaptation of John Temple's 'American Pain,' a book that deeply explores the causes and effects of the opioid crisis that continues to impact the lives of thousands of West Virginians and many more people nationwide. Although not currently living in West Virginia, Temple lived in Morgantown for many years and worked as a professor at West Virginia University when 'American Pain' was published in 2015. Although not technically a movie, Craig Johnson's long-running 'Longmire' book series has been adapted to television for a total of six seasons and can currently be watched on Paramount+. Although he currently lives in Wyoming, Johnson is originally from Huntington and continues to write books in his 'Longmire Mystery' series, which currently has more than 20 books in total. His latest entry 'Return to Sender,' is expected to release on May 27, 2025. If you know of any books written by West Virginia authors that have been adapted to the screen and don't see them on this list, you can email the author of this article at sgorski2@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
