Aftershops and Outreach
14-16 January (the week following the 1th ELSI Symposium) a series of smaller and more focused follow-up "aftershops" will be held at ELSI. All who are interested in these topics are welcome to participate.
Furthermore, we will have an outreach event on the 16 January.
Aftershop 1: Ethical Dimensions of Human Expansion into Space
Convenors: Natalie Trevino (Open Univ.), Pedro Russo (Leiden Univ.), and Thilina Heenatigala (ELSI)
Abstract: As humanity ventures beyond Earth, the ethical dimensions of space exploration demand critical attention. This discussion will delve into the moral responsibilities tied to human expansion into space, including the preservation of extraterrestrial ecosystems, the equitable distribution of space-derived resources and the societal impacts of space sciences and establishing human life beyond our planet. Additionally, we will discuss the ethics of sample return missions, addressing concerns such as planetary protection, scientific stewardship, and the implications of bringing extraterrestrial materials to Earth. By fostering a dialogue on these pressing issues, we aim to illuminate the ethical challenges that must shape our understanding, exploration and utilisation of the cosmos.
Plan/Schedule: Tue., 14 Jan. 14:00-16:00 at ELSI Agora (2F).
Aftershop 2: Searching for life with small machines and large minds
Convenor: Caleb Scharf (NASA/Ames) and Mary Voytek (NASA/Ames)
Abstract: The rapid growth in opportunities to place experiments and robotic devices into space or to send them to other planetary environments is partially driven by the increasing utility of “smallsats” or “rideshare” systems where small, lower cost spacecraft and devices can be developed and deployed. In this discussion we’d like to explore ideas for astrobiological research using these capabilities and to think about the limitations and the opportunities. In this context we’d also like to explore the role of machine learning in exploration for astrobiology and to discuss whether any of the constraints of small missions can be compensated for with the appropriate machine learning approaches and to try to identify needed or emerging innovations in this area.
Plan/Schedule: Wed., 15 Jan. 14:00-16:00 at ELSI Agora (2F).
Aftershop 3: Thermodynamics of Humans in Space
Convenor: John Hernlund (ELSI)
Abstract: We will hold an Aftershop on Thursday morning 16 January at 10:00 on the topic of Thermodynamics of Humans in Space. The focus will be on discussing how and where the real resources supporting human space exploration/colonization will be obtained, the stresses it places on planet Earth, and whether humans in space can ever become exothermic. This will mostly be an informal discussion, please join us in the ELSI Agora if you have any interest in this topic.
Plan/Schedule: Thu., 16 Jan. 10:00-12:00 at ELSI Agora (2F).
Aftershop 4: New frontiers in astrobiology education
Convenor: Anastasia Kokori (UCL), Taren Ginter (ELSI), Ellen Cook (ELSI)
Abstract: The study of the origin and distribution of life in the Universe triggers students' interest for further investigation and engagement with the field of astrobiology. In this discussion, we aim to explore the main topics that need to be addressed in the context of the new space era. These topics include challenges, complex concepts and common misconceptions that can be generated related to the search for life within and out of our Solar System. While activities and educational material related to astrobiology already exist, we would like to emphasise the importance of integrating objectives related to ethical values such as the respect of our planet and understanding the boundaries of current and future research.
Plan/Schedule: Thu., 16 Jan. 14:00-16:00 at ELSI Agora (2F).
The Astrobiological narrative of life’s origin on the ‘Pale Blue Dot’
Convenor: Sudha Rajamani (IISER Pune)
Abstract: A central aspect of Astrobiology research pertains to delineating how life came about on our planet. The story is very ancient, intriguing, complex and continues to be one of the most fascinating scientific mysteries. It involves understanding how the transition from chemistry to biology would have occurred on Earth several billion years ago, much before any life as we now know even came about. Though this non-trivial puzzle is still missing many pieces, I will outline the current understanding prevalent in the field. In addition to having important implications for understanding whether there is life elsewhere in the Universe, I hope that this talk will get us thinking even more deeply about the only home we might ever know!
Plan/Schedule: Thu., 16 Jan. 20:00-22:00 at Good Heavens British Pub, Shimokitazawa. More information: https://www.meetup.com/tokyo-space-events/events/305587173/
