sputnik's 50th anniversary observed

Wed., Oct 10

The last living member of the trio credited with being the first individuals in the United States to sight the Soviet satellite Sputnik 50 years ago will be the keynote speaker Oct. 10 during a forum to mark the anniversary at Southern Connecticut State University.

Richard Brown was 15 years old when he and two others spotted Sputnik while on the roof of Engleman Hall at SCSU, which was then known as the New Haven State Teachers College. Brown, along with his father, Robert Brown, who was a faculty member at the school, and James Plato, an amateur astronomer, saw Sputnik at 6:23 a.m. on Oct. 10, 1957.

The forum, "Sputnik: A Part of Southern and World History," is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. inside Engleman Hall (Room A120). In addition to Brown, it will include an SCSU faculty panel to discuss the impact that the satellite had upon the United States and the Soviet Union. James Fullmer (right), associate professor of earth science, will be one of the panelists. The unveiling of a new plaque to mark the historical event will be conducted immediately following the panel. Both events are free and open to the public.

Sputnik I was launched into orbit on Oct. 4, 1957. Sputnik II was sent about a month later. The first U.S. artificial satellite (Explorer I) was rocketed into orbit on Jan. 31, 1958.

For further information about the forum, contact Joe Musante, SCSU assistant director of public affairs, at (203) 392-5073 or at musantej1@southernct.edu