Dr. Gary Blackwood is the former Program Manager of NASA's Exoplanet Exploration and now performs public speaking and engaging laser-guided star tours.
About me
I recently retired from a 36-year career at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California where I developed advanced science and technology to search for life in the universe, and was intrumental in the development of the acclaimed Exoplanet Travel Bureau art&science posters.
I earned degrees in aerospace engineering at MIT (BS, MS, Phd). In 2025, I served as the Resident Fellow at the Harrison House Arts & Ecology Center in Joshua Tree, giving star tours and hosting presentations on NASA's exploration of the universe and search for life outside our solar system. I am currently co-founder of EarthRise LLC which applies science observations and analysis to scale nature-based solutions for regenerative farming. My passions are professional speaking and presenting night sky tours to connect audiences to the wonders of the universe.
Recent Speaking Events
During my 2025 residency at the Harrison House Arts and Ecology Center, I provided engaging talks on the science of exoplanets, search for life in the universe, and the moon. I and the Harrison House partnered with Sky's the Limit to host events at the Observatory and Nature Center in 29 Palms. I am also a regular speaker at the Coachella music festival as part of an event series hosted and organized by Global Inheritance.
2025 Joshua Night Sky Festival
2025 Joshua Tree National Parks Association - Park Lover Appreciation Night