Live public debate on satellite megaconstellations, June 15th 19:30-21:30 BST

On June 15th at 1930 BST we are running a live public debate on the broader issues around satellite mega-constellations – effects on astronomical science as well as public stargazing, cultural and environmental issues, the debris problem, commercial competition and fairness, and space law and policy. The debate will be held between 38 invited experts, but will simultaneously be available livestreamed on Youtube, open to all. The event is meant to be understandable by the general public, but will also be of interest to professional astronomers and students.

The panel includes astronomers Andy Lawrence, Meredith Rawls, Catherine Heymans, Michael Kramer, and Mark McCaughrean. On the cultural side we have Jarita Holbrook, Brian Eno, Pippa Goldschmidt, and others. Industrial representation includes Ruth Pritchard-Kelly (Oneweb), Amy Mehlman (Viasat), and Alan Thompson (Skyrora). On the debris issue we have Moriba Jah and Hugh Lewis, as well as Jonathan McDowell. The space law and policy debate includes Chris Newman (Northumbria), Niklas Hedman (UN office of outer space affairs), and Brian Weeden (Secure World Foundation).

The event is hosted by the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh, in association with the School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, and the Gnosis Network.

Free tickets, and more information, are available via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/losing-the-sky-tickets-155652112659