KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Dr. William Blass, a University of Tennessee-Knoxville physics professor, will give a talk titled “The Banner Yet Waves: Saving Old Glory” at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 2, 235 University Center, before the UT-Auburn football game.
Blass is part of a team sponsored by NASA that scanned the flag with a special camera built originally to study Martian rocks. The team has found dirt, moisture and oils that weaken the flag fabric, causing it to deteriorate.
Their work is part of a multi-million dollar project to save the Star-Spangled Banner, which flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Md., during the War of 1812 and inspired the U.S. national anthem.
Blass’s presentation is part of the Pre-Game Showcase series sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. It is free and open to the public.