LIVE - Threatened skies - Astronomy in the era of satellite mega-constellations

TALK

Threatened skies - Astronomy in the era of satellite mega-constellations

Today, we are on the brink of a new era of satellite communications, with up to 100,000 spacecraft in low Earth orbit by the end of the decade. This unprecedented crowding of orbital space is driven by cheaper launches and the demand for fast global Internet access. Affected communities include professional and amateur astronomers, the interested general public, and those with a cultural investment in the sky. This talk outlines both the threats and the opportunities that the new era will bring to the world of skywatching.

YOUR SPEAKER

Professor Fred Watson

Recently returned from the United Nations, Fred Watson, Australia's Astronomer at Large has first-hand insights into the great minds, the diplomatic conversations and policies that are being considered around Mega Constellations.  

Fred was Astronomer-in-Charge at the Australian Astronomical Observatory in Coonabarabran, NSW, from 1995 to 2015. In 2018, the Australian Government appointed him as Australia’s first Astronomer-at-large, a role in which he works closely with State and Federal government scientists and communicators. Fred has an asteroid named after him (5691 Fredwatson) by the International Astronomical Union.

VENUE / MEALS

This talk will be live at Club Belrose in the Belrose Room. 

We strongly recommend booking a place for dinner in the Cascades Restaurant to keep the conversation going. The Restaurant closes at 8pm.  cascade@greateatsco.com.au. 

ONLINE OPTION

Unable to attend in person? This will be presented as a hybrid event. Please book your place here:

https://www.australasiandarkskyalliance.org/events/online-threatened-skies-astronomy-in-the-era-of-satellite-mega-constellations

** BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL ** - close 1 April

The live event will proceed with a minimum of 50 people attending. Should numbers not be reached, we will proceed with the online version only.