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Subscribe to RSSBobak Ferdowsi, a flight director for the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity mission, piqued the public's curiosity with his unique style. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
It's been a crazy 24 hours for flight director Bobak Ferdowsi, and not just because he and the rest of his team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory landed an SUV on Mars. Ferdowsi has catapulted to Internet fame — thanks to his star-spangled Mohawk hairdo and the warm-hearted hotness he exuded during TV coverage of the Curiosity rover's landing.
He's picked up 20,000-plus Twitter followers, with most of those added just since last night. He's getting come-ons from fans of both sexes ("I'd let that be-mohawked NASA dude land his rover on my red planet any time," one admirer wrote). A Tumblr tribute site has been created in his honor. And there's a widely distributed LOL picture with the caption, "Becomes an Internet sensation ... Too busy landing a robot on Mars to notice."
Well, Ferdowsi has noticed.
"It's a little surreal," he told me this morning. "I'm still just getting over the 'We're on Mars' thing. That's the thing I can't believe."
As Ferdowsi strolls through JPL's campus in Pasadena, Calif., he can't resist going over to teammates for hugs. He's been working at the lab for nine years. For most of that time he's been preparing for the $2.5 billion Mars Science Laboratory mission, and particularly for Sunday night's successful landing. These people are not only his co-workers. They're his friends.
"What a wonderful moment to share together," he said.
Shira Lazar caught up with Bobak Ferdowsi at JPL in Pasadena, Calif.
Ferdowsi has a habit of adopting a fresh hairdo for each of the space missions for which he's at the controls, based on a vote by his teammates. For the Mars mission, they came up with a variety of fashion choices.
"We had a Martian red," he said. "One vote to shave my head. Natural black. Then we had the Captain America look."
He went with the Captain America Mohawk: black hair flecked with blue and red highlights, plus some bleached white stars on the side. He didn't ponder the effect of having his edgy 'do broadcast on NASA TV, and he was so wrapped up in Curiosity's entry, descent and landing that it took him a while to notice he was becoming a star himself. But then the messages and tweets started popping up on his phone.
"I'm looking down, and thinking, 'This is crazy,'" he recalled.
He was back at work today, trying to do his job while coping with media requests and watching the evolution of a meme.
"I am laughing pretty hard at some of the captions," he said. "I think it's hilarious."
I didn't have the nerve to ask him about his, um, personal relationships — but for all his admirers, here are a couple of factoids: He's 32 years old. He's originally from the Bay Area and still has family there. He earned his bachelor's degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Washington, and he went to MIT to get a master's degree in the same subject.
You can join the Bobak fan club by following @tweetsoutloud. But if his fans really want to get Ferdowsi's attention, they probably shouldn't tweet him a marriage proposal. Instead, they should talk about Mars.
"I hope that they are as excited about Curiosity as I am," the Mohawk Guy said.
Update for 7:35 p.m. ET Aug. 7: Is Mohawk Guy taken? In a follow-up chat with BuzzFeed's Chris Geidner, Ferdowsi reports that he's "dating somebody," and "she's awesome."
"She's put up with me working a lot of long hours on this project, and I am definitely looking forward to things being calmed down a little bit so I can actually hang out with her," Ferdowsi says. A photo on the MemeGenerator website shows Ferdowsi with his arm around a lady friend. The caption reads, "Behind every great Mohawk is a great woman."
Meanwhile, other Internet celebrities are welcoming Mohawk Guy to the fold. Felicia Day told Ferdowsi in a tweet that "your mohawk made my night" — to which Ferdowsi replied, "Your tweet made me blush." Wil Wheaton registered his yen for a NASA Mohawk Guy Fan Club T-shirt — and reportedly put in an order with CafePress.
More about Mars:
- Mars orbiter spots rover in midair
- Curiosity rover scores touchdown on Mars
- Scientists want to look for Martian life
- Last-minute guide to the Mars landing
- What will we see from Mars, and when will we see it?
- Why we're obsessed with Mars
- Mars probe provides radiation revelations
Alan Boyle is NBCNews.com's science editor. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's Facebook page, following @b0yle on Twitter and adding the Cosmic Log page to your Google+ presence. To keep up with Cosmic Log as well as NBCNews.com's other stories about science and space, sign up for the Tech & Science newsletter, delivered to your email in-box every weekday. You can also check out "The Case for Pluto," my book about the dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.
Leave a Comment:
Heck, if it gets the kids talking about science...then Please keep up with the unique haircuts!!!!
Bugs Bunny would be proud - I sure as heck am - looks just like Marvin the Martian. You rock Sir!
I watched the streaming coverage of events at the JPL in Pasadena for 2 hours and never saw Howard Wolowitz in the background even once.
Finally, in the Party of No age of anti-Science and anti-Intellectualism, the General Public see scientists as sexy.
Science needs to do whatever it can to bring the right wing out of the 15th century!
Mohawk, buzz cut, bald, flat top, or purple spikes. I don't care, it's nice to see someone with a little bit of "flare" and individuality doing these amazing projects.
If it gets more kids and people talking about science, by all means, do anything you want and just keep doing good work. It's easy to see that Bobak really digs his job. I would too.
making science and scientists look cool, capturing interest even in this way...is a great thing.
I think many an employer can take a page from this book. A person's non-mainstream hairstyle, fashion or what-not is not necessarily indicative of resistance to authority, a lack of education or critical thinking skills, etc. If anything, allowing people to express themselves openly and freely (within some limits, of course, though I must admit I'm not even opposed to public nudity...though I would never engage in it myself) generally only serves to encourage them to be more imaginative, creative, and overall more productive because of a stronger sense of self-worth and happiness.
Thank you, Bobak, for helping further shed light on the fact that people who refuse to conform to mainstream ideals are still valuable members of society who can contribute just as much as anyone else, if not even more so. I mean, how many clean-cut, by-the-book men in suits and ties get to work for NASA at all, let alone in mission control?
@NeverStopAskingQuestion
Psychologists need to do whatever it takes to bring you out of your delusions and hatred. I know more successful Christians then left-wing ideologists.
Of course, when The Left only base success on the size of the house or car & whats in the bank account, its no wonder why they desire to make everyone as unhappy as they are.
Well, they're not talking about the science, only the hair and how to get/have sex with the one with the hair. The tweets say it all. It's still an epidemic attitude of "entitled to have everything without having to work for it or know or do anything productive to actually add value" amongst the majority of young people in US culture and US culture continues to glorify and reward the attitude. As soon as the hip look wears off, it'll be back to the most important things in life such as the latest news about Hiltons, Kardashians and other ilk.
studly! very, very studly!!
not all geeks are alike.
You should be recognized for a job well done. :)
Congratulation NASA! Well done! Go USA!
This landing helps convince my teen that the Space Program isn't dead. She still really wants to go to space personally, and thought the best way would be to get rich and buy a ticket on some civilian flight. I think I've convinced her that she should keep studying the field because even though it takes a lot of years to build your dream, it's worth it. She can be more than a passenger, she can be a part of the whole programs future.
Obviously, NASA doesn't have a (hair) dress code… Nice!
Considering that 2 seats down some guy had hair down to his shoulders(if not longer) im going with no :P
Pasadena, California...... JPL has diverse personalities, great sense of humor all
I still remember the Apollo days when the desks were manned (no women) by ex-military test pilots with buzzcuts and super serious demeanors. Cool, after a fashion, but distancing for the average mortal. The pure ordinary geek emotion displayed on the JPL floor was a testimony to how science, thanks to the Intertubes, is no longer a mysterious cult but something the net-savvy can relate to at some level, even if just as a fanboy or girl.
I worked at NASA Ames with purple hair, piercings and a tat. No, definitely no dress code. In some ways, I think it helped the image of the place to have women with funky do's and body mods there to shed the ridiculous, outdated notion that women in science must have glasses and wear buns! It's still the old boys club but it's nice to see more of the boys venturing into modern times.
I think this is great. It may not bring the exact attention to science that is desired, but it brings attention to a positive and totally awesome feat! NASA needs so much of this, especially when Congress wants to take away their money. People will now be even more aware of the awesomeness that is NASA, and, just possibly, more interested in a good education!
And, yes, he's TOTALLY hot... I wish I could have a boyfriend like him both physically and intellectually!
Correction: It's not Congress who wants to take away their money - it's obama.
Correction to Blue Eyed...it's not Obama it's the Republicans honey. Try again.
Karma is correct...
Sorry Blue-eye lady is correcy.
There is nothing sexier than a scientist.
You can do Mohawk, while getting a master degree at MIT and still working at NASA on the Mission to Mars.
What a great country!
Amen! What a great country! - as for the gent - whew, looks and brains too! You go fella! What a great country!
Exactly how I feel. Being an individual and expressing yourself is what makes the west the best!
And might I add (doing so math, lol) he was only 23 with an MIT masters which is at least two full years. And then he's hired for this very important job.
He must have been an academic star and in science/engineering seems to me it correlates with job performance.
He's the director of the mission over people twice his age. Amazing.
Cream rises to the top
An MS degree in engineering from MIT? He's the real Howard Wolowitz of JPL!
Nope. Way too fashionable and cool to be a Howard Wolowitz. ;-)
A young, hip future Carl Sagan maybe? Very cool for the teen/20-somethings thinking of Science careers.
The virality of this Mars landing gives me a "NASA is back" feeling I haven't had in, well, ever :D /is 28 Or perhaps "Space is Back" is the better way to put it
Further proof that some Americans need to get a life and to stop spending their time twitting and facecrapping.
Lol love that this comment says "via FaceBook". Seriously?!?!
@Revis,
So you are telling yourself that you need to get a life? Interesting. Schizophrenia perhaps?
Finally someone with a hair style and brains to go head to head with Einstein.
I noticed him right away too. I also noticed and assumed he was placed in that position and put on camera so much because he was good looking. I think NASA knew exactly what they were doing. Way to go NASA. Our youth need to see this kind of comradery and let them know that a hair cut does not define your neural network.
except he is the DIRECTOR in charge of the mission
so
he is not some random good looking kid. He needed to be in the center of the action by his role.
I worked @ JPL on the Viking project. we had some strange guys there, mostly science guys, just interested in getting things done and find outwhat was going on. Very cool. It was fun, I met some very great minds.
I even have a certificat from NASA...Yeah! I was only 22 and I did what I wanted. Go Mohawk boy!!! you rock
My best friend's husband was one of those who helped design the rocket engine boosters for the space shuttles and he is about the smartest man I know. He spoke about those fellas at NASA and how amazing they are.We are so honored to be living in these times when space exploration and telescopes like the Hubble are revealing mysteries and answers never even dreamed of just a few decades ago.I sure hope our youngest generation will develop a deep passion for seeking the knowledge awaiting those who desire to reach for the stars. Man's reach was always meant to exceed his grasp so he could keep learning and growing. Or else he would never have learned to walk and run.
And here I was thinking I could sign up for a job like that while I was watching... guess its not like a phone call center.
This is the coolest thing ever. Even though I had to go to work today, I sat up and waited till I was sure Curiosity landed safely. I can't wait for all the pictures and discoveries to come. Fascinating!
Nice to know that acceptance is still alive and well! NIIIIIIIIICE Mr. Ferdowsi! Niiice to the doo, nice to the brains and nice to the humility! Keep is goin! You are not only an employee of NASA but you are now, officially, an insporation to A LOT of people! Careful, Cosmos mag center fold may be next! LOL!
Wow someone with a brain that actually accomplished something with their life, and hasn't made a sex tape becoming famous?!?! This could be a turning point in American society.
another thing that feels just as good, or perhaps what you mean, is that Americans fully value what he accomplished and appreciate the brains.
what they accomplished is, basically, brains and creativity, applied.
Smart and sexy. I'm loving that combination.
Ahh yes, there are some people that completely miss the amazing events happening and focus on hair and looks. The mars landing = cute guys hairstyle. Gabby winning the gold = her hairstyle. Oh well, it still brings attention.
I think the wacky hairstyle is the way in to understanding and liking a guy like this and what he accomplished
I think Americans are thinking "what a cool smart guy...I like that". It's a win.
now, the Gabby focus on hair had no plus side, I agree. But not noticing this Science Guy's far out "do is a stretch
IS NASA RACIST? I, too, watched the news video of the NASA personnel rejoycing when Curiousity landed on Mars. It looked to be about upwards of 30 or 40 men and women in the control room. But conspiciuosly absent was African Americans. So, it seems NASA excludes employment to Black folks and makes it ever so obvious. What it looks like is unlawful discrimination with impunity.
As a mother of a black engineer who worked @ Boeing, NASA (space shuttle), there are black engineers; however, most are from Africa, and the Caribbean, they just aren't going to school, plus, plus, plus you have to be a US citizen to work there. My son graduated from the University of Central Florida, a very large school with a big engineer program, he was the ONLY American Born black male in the entire graduating class.
You want more black engineers, make sure they are up on their math skills, and give them lots of support when in College so they can study without getting caught up in th
If I were to fill a bucket up with sand at the beach and found no shells, would I then assume that there are no shells at the beach?
@Notapest:
I believe your point is misplaced. You remind me of a Clarence Thomas type of Black woamn. Throughout our American history it has been evidenced time and time that when race discrimination against African Americans is is not openly practised Blacks excel in all fields. If racism did not exist there is no doubt that there would be many more African Americans graduating from universities with engineering degrees. That's been the same story all throughout the history of the United State. Clear examples in support of my position are allowing Blacks into the military, professional sports, movie industry, the music industry, and I could go on and on with many other factual examples. Perhaps if racism still did not exist an African American would be the person to discover a cure to a major disease such as cancer, global warming, world peace.
The video of NASA in the instant case only demonstrates to the viewer that NASA is like much of America still with a sea of white faces that excludes Blacks unlawfully.
*ahem*
The current head of NASA is Charles F. Bolden, a former Marine, veteran Space Shuttle Astronaut and African-American:
Well here's an idea. Perhaps NASA actually hires people qualified to hold a position where millions/billions of dollars are at stake. Perhaps they pay attention to those qualifications instead of skin color. As Not said, if you want to see more black people then there needs to be more focus on education instead of relying on programs to get them into colleges or jobs regardless of what they bring to the table. There is absolutely no evidence, other then the small amount of footage you saw which could hardly be called evidence, that NASA practices racial discrimination. That's not to mention the thing you obviously failed to realize or study before you started spewing your own racism, is that Robin is correct, the head of NASA is a black man who has the education behind him to hold such a position.
instead of gripping which will so nothing why dont you become a TEACHER and make a difference in a black childs life and encourage them to go to school and let them know that they can do it. SET AN EXAMPLE. The only example your setting now is to be a B1tch
You are like the city commissioner we have, there was an opening on the city aviation board for the airport. He complained just like you how come they're no blacks on the board. The city attorney told him, because none applied. (Each of the city boards consist of 2 professionals in the field of the board, 2 citizens that want to apply, & 1 employee of the city manager I think.) I don't think they get paid either.
Robin Chang is correct. Jean, maybe you need to write Mr Bolden an apology for trying to say the agency he heads is racist. I think he and NASA deserve that.
I am a huge fan of the space program and all the good NASA has done but they have not been the most exciting bunch of people to watch.
It's nice to see the stuffing taken out of those white shirts and ties (the 60s image of NASA).
Dang - all this time I haven't applied for a job with NASA because I assumed they had a pretty strict dress code and there's no way I would fit in. Well. Shot myself in the foot over that one.
I've had the pleasure of working on a few NASA programs and other non-NASA space programs and most people would be surprised that this is actually more the norm than you would think on space programs. JPL, NASA, NOAA, and others don't really care significantly about dress code or uniqueness of appearance so long as you're good at what you do. On one program another guy around this young man's age that was spending time at our facility would come in with a braided beard down to his belly button with little bow ties in it. Very Pirates of the Caribbean. But, the guy was brilliant. If you're good at your job and are committed to the mission that's what they want. Very much a come as you are environment. Another reason NASA is beyond compare imhumbleo.
@!$%#ing bastards. They're ecstatic because there's always some form of extraterrestrial life (either in beam-ship form or in physicality), but they are NEVER going to tell anyone about it. NASA is a master of creating FAKE photos only filled with rock and space. DAMN YOU NASA
I've always loved outer space and everything that goes with it, what we don't know, what we do know and what we will know. It's the reason that sometimes I wish I could live forever and ever. To NASA, the people, one of them being the mohawk guy (Bobak Ferdowsi).......oh yeah, very hot!, a gazillion THANKS!. And to, CURIOSITY... I wish you the very best luck of all. No calls telling NASA," i have a problem ".
I had a nerdgasm in my droors!