Talks and shows

How and why the icy moons of Jupiter became a goal for space exploration

Image via NASA

In 2024 the European Space Agency will launch a mission 'JUICE' to explore the icy moons of Jupiter. What does it aim to discover? Join space scientist David John Southwood to learn more about the mysterious frozen moons of Jupiter.

These Galilean moons have long held a fascination, but it was only in the 1990s that scientists realised quite how remarkable they were. Europa, Ganymede and Callisto all show some evidence of subsurface oceans of water, which could even be where life evolves.

Find out how our current knowledge of the moons developed, the various ideas for their exploration, and the political and technical ups and downs of planning the upcoming mission.

 

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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

About David Southwood

David Southwood via RAS
Via Royal Astronomical Society

David John Southwood CBE is a British space scientist who holds the post of Senior Research Investigator at Imperial College London. He was the President of the Royal Astronomical Society from 2012–2014, and earlier served as the Director of Science and Robotic Exploration at the European Space Agency (2001–2011).

David's research interests have been in solar–terrestrial physics and planetary science, particularly magnetospheres. He built the magnetic field instrument for the Cassini Saturn orbiter.

 

Timing

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

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.

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Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

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Event terms and conditions