The Sky is Falling! All About Space Junk

Event Date:
2025-01-30T18:00:00
2025-01-30T19:30:00
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Library (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St.
Vancouver V6B 6B1
Speaker:
Dr. Aaron Boley
Related Upcoming Events:
Other Talks
Intended Audience:
Public
Local Contact:

Kirsty Dickson (communications@phas.ubc.ca)

Event Information:

Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC's Department of Physics & Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from eclipses to space junk in this new, accessible science series. All are welcome!

How the Universe Works is a new partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy. Monthly talks are posted on the VPL events page here: Events | Vancouver Public Library | BiblioCommons. Please register to attend!

Abstract:
Space junk: We depend on vital satellite services, which are growing in number. We already have over 4,000 operational satellites in orbit, which will double in number over the next decade. So what’s the issue with having more satellites? Space junk! Broken satellites and other space debris accumulate in orbit and pose a serious threat to satellites and humankind’s access to space. To avoid a potential scenario where so much debris is generated that large sections of Lower Earth Orbit become unusable, technological solutions and international cooperation are required to ensure the sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment. Mitigating debris is not just a technical challenge, it’s a challenge of sharing space.

Bio:

Aaron Boley (Canada Research Chair in Planetary Astronomy and faculty member with UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy) is an expert in planet formation and dynamics. He is also a Co-director with the Outer Space Institute where he studies space junk, or the accumulating orbital debris of broken rockets, satellites and debris from orbital collisions of satellites.

Add to Calendar 2025-01-30T18:00:00 2025-01-30T19:30:00 The Sky is Falling! All About Space Junk Event Information: Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC's Department of Physics & Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from eclipses to space junk in this new, accessible science series. All are welcome! How the Universe Works is a new partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy. Monthly talks are posted on the VPL events page here: Events | Vancouver Public Library | BiblioCommons. Please register to attend! Abstract:Space junk: We depend on vital satellite services, which are growing in number. We already have over 4,000 operational satellites in orbit, which will double in number over the next decade. So what’s the issue with having more satellites? Space junk! Broken satellites and other space debris accumulate in orbit and pose a serious threat to satellites and humankind’s access to space. To avoid a potential scenario where so much debris is generated that large sections of Lower Earth Orbit become unusable, technological solutions and international cooperation are required to ensure the sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment. Mitigating debris is not just a technical challenge, it’s a challenge of sharing space. Bio: Aaron Boley (Canada Research Chair in Planetary Astronomy and faculty member with UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy) is an expert in planet formation and dynamics. He is also a Co-director with the Outer Space Institute where he studies space junk, or the accumulating orbital debris of broken rockets, satellites and debris from orbital collisions of satellites. Event Location: Vancouver Public Library - Central Library (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St. Vancouver V6B 6B1