“Space exploration now will hopefully prepare us for off-planet existence and our future.” DMorris_Star chats to some of the region's experts on the cosmos. space astronomy
In mid-autumn, NASA achieved a big success with its DART programme – successfully changing the motion of an asteroid by purposefully crashing a spacecraft into it, and thus making a leap forward in defence against near-Earth object collision.
Excitement and enthusiasm for all things interstellar is at a high, and in our region it is being championed by those for whom space is a passion, a calling, and even a serious duty. Fellow astronomy enthusiasts Cath Adams and Doug Bickley from Wolverhampton Astronomical Society share Steve’s passion.
“Everyone is aware of the mental health benefits of being in nature,” he said. “The universe is one of the greatest expanses of nature on everyone’s door step – you just have to step outside at night. Even in light-polluted skies, what you thought was a star you can find out is a planet. It is a world of discovery and with current phone apps it has become easy to tour the night sky.
“That took off quite dramatically, and actually became the biggest national space guard organisation in the world. It was also picked up in Parliament by Lembit Öpik. His grandfather – Ernst Julius Öpik – was probably the most eminent planetary scientist in the UK of the 20th century.“Once it had been through Parliament, a taskforce was set up and they produced a very fine report. Fourteen recommendations were all accepted, but not a single one was actioned.
The aim of Spaceguard’s Project DRAX is to install and operate a 24-inch Schmidt Camera that would allow it to do just that. “DART is a valued experiment that one day could be crucial,” added Mike. “There is a comet that is about to pass Earth. The last time it did so it was during the Stone Age. This was only spotted in March last year. What if it was on a different trajectory and heading into us?”
Reflecting on the recent failed launch from Spaceport Cornwall, Jay and Steve remain excited about the UK’s involvement in the planet’s spacefaring future.
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