For astronaut Terry Virts, his newfound perspective was from the International Space Station (ISS), where he installed the Cupola module, granting an unprecedented 360-degree view from the station. When he later became the commander of the ISS, Virts made good use of the Cupola, taking more photographs than any astronaut who came before him. Many of those images were later used in the National Geographic book View From Above and IMAX film A Beautiful Planet, but to hear Virts tell it, no photo can capture the perfect shade of blue from a sunrise viewed from outer space.

National Geographic Live speakers share their journeys of exploration from being on assignment around the world. Illustrated with award-winning photography and video, each evening concludes with a speaker-led audience Q&A session.

For its seventh season at the Kauffman Center, National Geographic Live features underwater photographer Brian Skerry (Jan. 9); wildlife photographer Florian Schulz (Feb. 6); marine biologist/photographer Cristina Mittermeier (March 6); and NASA astronaut Terry Virts (May 1). Photographer Pete McBride and writer/filmmaker Kevin Fedarko close the 2018 series with a special engagement event on June 5.

The 2018 National Geographic Live series in Kansas City is generously sponsored by Teresa and Tom Walsh.