Space: The Final Frontier

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), coming in the next decade, is the next generation of radio telescopes. The SKA will turn deserts in Australia and South Africa into eyes that will observe the Epoch of Reionization (EoR). The EoR was the most recent phase change of our universe–inter-galactic hydrogen was ionised for the first time since the big bang. The form of the EoR will reveal the nature of our universe as it moved from the dark ages into the cosmic dawn. The 100,000 antennae built in Australia will observe radio signals produced by hydrogen atoms and allow us to map this process. 

How can creatures that live for just decades even hope to measure the age of something which has lasted almost a billion times as long?  The earliest serious attempts (both scientific and religious) to estimate the age of the Universe weren't very successful, but over the last century there has been steady progess to the point where the answer is now known to the per cent level precision.  This talk will take a look at the astronomical observations and physical theories that have combined to make this awesome measurement possible.

Discoveries of lunar water have led to plans for exploring the polar regions of the Moon. Research into the use of in situ resources, particularly oxygen and metals, from the regolith will reduce the logistics costs of lunar missions and allow extended stays. Only by landing research robots can we truly identify the potential for mining. Soil ices will allow the production and distribution of everything from propellants and metals to life support commodities. Many countries and companies are pursuing this ‘gold rush’ of the new space age and usher in an age of sustainable off world habitation.