SCOTLAND is set to host a global space conference next week, as more than 150 delegates from the international community look to exchange ideas on lunar exploration.
The annual European Lunar Symposium (ELS), hosted by the Open University (OU) in Dumfries and Galloway, will take place from June 16 to 21 at The Crichton.
Some of the world’s most prominent lunar scientists will attend the event – which is landing in Scotland for the first time – discussing the latest findings from their research in lunar exploration.
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High-profile speakers will include representatives from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA).
The event will also include a schools’ programme and public talks, aimed at inspiring the people of Dumfries and Galloway and leaving behind a new lunar legacy for the region.
The region already has a strong association with Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, as it is the seat of Clan Armstrong and is where Armstrong spoke at Langholm Town Hall in 1972.
Moreover, the region is sparsely populated and therefore hardly light polluted, and has one of Europe’s darkest skies, making it ideal for stargazing. Galloway Forest Park was designated Britain's first “Dark Sky Park” in 2009 by the International Dark Sky Association, recognising its special status.
Professor Mahesh Anand (below), OU Professor of Planetary Science and Exploration, has co-chaired the symposium held at various locations across Europe since its inception in 2012.
Professor Anand said: “As well as bringing colleagues from across the world to this beautiful part of the country, I am also keen to influence younger generations and encourage them to believe that they too can make a big difference in lunar exploration – and that they don’t need to go to the Moon to do it!
“There needs to be a legacy from this event and by inspiring young people to get involved in the space economy, I feel confident that these young people will go on to pursue their interests and make a significant impact in the future that will be of benefit to the wider society.”
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Dr Fujimoto Masaki, JAXA deputy director general, will give a public talk about Japan’s moon landing in January, along with speakers involved in recent and upcoming lunar missions, on the evening of the summer solstice on June 20.
A committee of local partners and stakeholders including the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency, The Crichton Trust, The Crichton Foundation, The Crawick Multiverse Trust and South of Scotland Destination Alliance have been supporting OU colleagues to plan and deliver the ELS.
Professor Russel Griggs, chair of development agency South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), said: “This is a fantastic accolade for Dumfries and Galloway to host the European Lunar Symposium and it is making use of the excellent facilities on offer at the Crichton Estate.
“The region does not only have a proud role in the history of moon and lunar exploration, but the area also has the Kirkcudbright Dark Skies Planetarium as well as the Galloway International Dark Sky Park.
“The space sector presents the South of Scotland with numerous opportunities, and SOSE will be soon revealing plans on how we can blend the region’s significant traditional strengths with new space services and technologies.”
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