NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for Monday, March 16th.
Astronauts are returning to earth with a profound shift in their understanding of the universe. Join The Explorers Club on March 14th to hear about this fascinating phenomenon at the intersection of psychology, anthropology, and spaceflight.
The ultraview effect refers to a pattern observed when ordinary ways of understanding the universe collapse. While many astronauts describe the well-known overview effect when viewing Earth from space, some others report a very different experience when they turn outward toward the stars. Looking into deep space from space may produce a profound sense of disorientation, cognitive overload, or uncertainty in the face of vastness.
Cultural anthropologist Deana Weibel draws on years of multi-sited fieldwork with astronauts, engineers, astronomers, and space medicine specialists to trace this recurring pattern. These encounters with the unknown often begin with awe, lead to a sometimes uncomfortable sense of humility, and ultimately reshape how explorers approach discovery itself.
Based on her forthcoming book with the University of California Press, this lecture weaves together astronaut narratives, psychology, anthropology, and the ethics of exploration. Weibel argues that humility born of awe is not a weakness, but a vital tool for responsible exploration, one that encourages cooperation, careful inquiry, and respect for environments that exceed human understanding.
This talk offers a new lens on space exploration and asks what explorers across disciplines can learn from moments when certainty gives way to wonder.
This in-person event at the Explorers Club Headquarters will include an audience Q&A.
RESERVATIONS
This will be an in-person lecture at Explorers Club Headquarters.
In-person tickets are $20 for Members, and $35 for the General Public.
Check-in will begin at 6:00 pm, with a beer and wine reception from 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Deana Weibel
Deana L. Weibel, PhD, is a cultural anthropologist and Professor of Anthropology at Grand Valley State University, with a joint appointment in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Her research focuses on space exploration, pilgrimage, awe, religious and spiritual practices in outer space, and the human experience of encountering the unknown. She has conducted multi-sited ethnographic research with astronauts, engineers, astronomers, and space medicine specialists, and has carried out extended, site-based research at locations including the Vatican Observatory.
Weibel is a Fellow of The Explorers Club and currently serves as Chair of the Chicago–Great Lakes Chapter. Her forthcoming book, The Ultraview Effect: What We Can Learn from Astronauts About Awe, Humility, and Exploring the Unknown, will be published by the University of California Press in May 2026.
