Chuck (and others), The next time a spouse, neighbor or friend tells you they think the creations of ATMs are weird just tell them what some non-astronomer locals are building to prepare for the upcoming "mini-Burning Man" at Seabase. pw :) p.s. Hey, Chuck, do you think they could maybe include a few lasers...?
The Amazing Jellyfish From The Year 12,000. The concept: a 1950's sci-fi B movie vision of a highly evolved, intelligent, part-robot, oversized jellyfish from the future. Last year it manifested at Black Rock as a stationary EL- wire dome; this year it will make the journey into our time and dimension in a vehicular form, with seating for twelve on the lower level, and up to six on the upper level, inside the inner dome of the body of the jellyfish. The structure is built of welded steel on the stripped chassis of a huge van, and when complete it will be 15 feet tall with an outer dome 16 feet in diameter. Jared is working with a team of electrical engineers with backgrounds in cognitive neuroscience, 3D graphics, and genetic algorithms to develop a custom lighting system comprising 4700 LEDs to wrap the inner dome with animation patterns and – possibly – interactivity with its riders. If you're interested in participating in assisting in the manifestation of the jellymobile, and contributing your skills or even just learning about metalworking, lighting, or upholstery in the process, the jellycrew needs as much help as they can get.