Fanciful physics photo exhibit provokes government inquiry

Science : An independent photography project by an astrophysics graduate student at Stanford University has prompted an investigation by Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Grassley has questioned whether the project involves the misuse of NASA funds and staff time. Ved Chirayath, who also works at NASA’s Ames Research Center (ARC) and is an amateur photographer, says he applied for and won two Stanford University grants to create a photo exhibit, Physics in Vogue , that combines his interests in science, photography, and laboratory-grade optical effects. His Space Vikings photos feature ARC director Simon Worden, the Vikings of Bjornstad living history group, and mock-ups of CubeSats, miniaturized satellites for space research. In reference to Grassley’s request for an explanation of the photos, NASA news chief Allard Beutel said, “There were no taxpayer funds used,” and “The employees were on their time, not on work time.”