Some of you will remember Camilla the rubber chicken, Mascot of the Solar Dynamics Observatory, from the Solar Eclipse after party at the Apres Bar and Grill. Romeo Durscher, her handler has just made this announcement. Camilla has been a fantastic way to connect with and educate kids about our Sun.
I am saddened to announce the retirement of The Duck (Camilla is affectionately call a duck). A pink slip was handed to her today and her last day will be July 3. After that? We shall see.
But don't worry. Camilla Corona (without the SDO and without NASA funding) will continue. She is too important not to talk about STEM. In what capacity? We will see soon.
In a world were grown-ups rule, she made us feel a little younger and funner. She taught us that Science is actually way fun and not so intimidating, that the possibilities are endless and that girls can achieve everything and anything they want to; STEM is for everyone.
She traveled the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America), met people, shared her message, learned and shared - she made kids laugh, some adults cry and even managed to upset a few. She visited sick and injured kids, people fighting illness, met with Government Officials, visited class rooms across the globe, went to the Edge of Space five times and partook in many shenanigans.
But most importantly, Camilla has made connections; she has connected with people and she has connected people with each other. And for that I am personally most thankful.
Many of you have met her, contributed to her success, enjoyed her journeys. Thank you for that. Clearly to me this is not just a rubber chicken.
Camilla SDO Pink Slipped
