Rubble Trouble: How Space Junk Impacts Astronomy National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Free, Tickets Required
5:15 PM Lecture 6:30 PM Astronomical observing at the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory, weather permitting
The incredible information and images gathered using space telescopes have revolutionized what we know about the cosmos. What would astronomy be like today and in the future if space junk blocked the view? Join Lisa Rand, research associate in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Department of Space History, as she discusses this question and the impact space junk has on astronomy.
This lecture is part of the Smithsonian's Stars Lecture Series. Other lectures in the series are scheduled for November 8, January 24, and February 21.
Smithsonian's Stars lectures are suitable for ages 13 and up.
Each white dot in this image represents an object in orbit around the Earth. Note the ring which represents objects in geostationary orbit such as many communications satellites. Due to their large distance from Earth, they are much more susceptible to damage from solar particles. The swarm of objects around Earth includes objects such as the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope. They are much better protected due to their proximity to the Earth's magnetic field.
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