Talks and shows

The real science of asteroid defence

Robin George Andrews reveals the story of how science and engineering can save us from city-destroying asteroids.

Image via Pixabay

Asteroids colliding with the planet aren’t just something that the dinosaurs had to deal with. Astronomers think that there are approximately 25,000 “city killer” asteroids in near-Earth orbit – and most are yet to be found. Small enough to evade detection, they are capable of large-scale destruction and represent our greatest cosmic threat. Join volcanologist and science writer Robin George Andrews as he reveals how an international team of scientists and engineers are working to protect Earth by literally rearranging the night sky, using NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART).

The DART mission successfully crashed a spacecraft into a city killer, altering the asteroid’s orbit and proving that we can stand a chance against them. But how did NASA pull off the world’s first planetary defence test? Everyone enjoys a good story about people banding together to save the world from ruin. This one, about the planetary defence movement, just happens to be true.

Copies of Robin's latest book "How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense" will be available to purchase after the talk.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Robin George Andrews

Robin George Andrews
Robin George Andrews

Robin George Andrews is a doctor of volcanoes and a multi-award-winning science journalist who writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American, The Atlantic, Quanta Magazine, Atlas Obscura, The Guardian, The Times and many more. He’s the author of two critically acclaimed books: SUPER VOLCANOES (2021) and HOW TO KILL AN ASTEROID (2024).

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions

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