The Anthropocene--the idea that human activity is a fundamental force in changing conditions on Earth--has gained wide currency in scientific and cultural circles. Join curator Martin Collins as he addresses the question of how this idea might be used to reconsider the presentation and themes of the Museum's current Looking at Earth gallery.

Meet at the Museum's "Great Seal," in front of the Welcome Center, in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall on the first floor.

About the Ask an Expert lecture series: Every Wednesday at noon in the National Mall Building, a Museum staff member talks to the public about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the Museum.

 The Lockheed U-2 high-altitude photoreconnaissance airplane provided critical military intelligence during the Cold War. U-2s monitored military installations in the Soviet Union and Cuba and nuclear testing in China, and they flew surveillance missions over Vietnam and the Middle East. This one was the first U-2 to fly over the Soviet Union. How to attend

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560