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The Sun sustains life on Earth, but it might also be responsible for the breakdown of our planet. Will the Sun and its storms harm our society? If so, how can we prevent it? Maybe it would be better to find a new home on the icy moon Ganymede, provided that the JUICE aircraft reaches it... Join us tonight to learn what Imperial scientists can tell us about our future on this planet or others!
What's the sun up to today?
Naïs Fargette
(Research Associate at Imperial College London)
In 1859, a extreme solar storm led to auroras so bright that, in parts of the US, people could read newspapers in their light. The northern lights then were visible down to Cuba or Hawaii! What would be the impact of such a solar storm today on our modern society? In this talk, we will explore the links between auroras and the Sun, as well as current research at Imperial College investigating extreme solar activity and how to mitigate the risks associated with it.
Ganymede, the most fascinating moon in the Solar System
Professor Marina Galand
(Professor in Planetary Science at Imperial College London)
Ganymede, which is orbiting planet Jupiter, is the largest moon in the Solar System, larger than planet Mercury. This icy moon hosts a subsurface ocean, which is a very good candidate for habitability. It is the only moon known to generate its own magnetic field which renders its interaction with its mother planet unique. Ganymede is the main target of the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft. JUICE is expected to be launched this April from Kourou, French Guyana and to reach Jupiter in 2031.
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