Astronomy, International Law, and Space Sustainability
Humanity is fundamentally changing its relationship with the Earth-Space environment. On one hand, the ongoing rapid expansion into outer space benefits society, opens pathways to scientific discoveries, and advances economic opportunities. Indeed, satellites already play vital roles in weather forecasting, food production, forest fire detection, climate science, communications, navigation, search and rescue, disaster relief, global security, and arms control verification.
On the other hand, this rapid expansion is setting the stage for multiple, intersecting environmental tragedies, such as the loss of dark and radio-quiet skies, space debris and collision risks on orbit, space weaponization, casualty risks from reentering rocket bodies and satellites, and atmospheric changes from both launches and reentries.
Astronomers are in a unique position to speak up about many of these negative consequences, with previous actions against orbital pollution helping to set foundational elements of international space law. Through stewardship of dark and quiet skies, astronomers and informed publics can address the broader, emerging Earth-Space environmental crisis.
This talk will summarize several of the intersecting challenges humanity faces with space expansionism and what legal and policy mechanisms are already in place that can be used to develop meaningful protections for the Earth-Space environment. The talk will further discuss ways that astronomers, sky watchers, and the broader public can become involved nationally and internationally in the global effort to preserve dark and radio-quiet skies and promote stewardship of Earth and Space.
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Featured speaker Dr. Aaron Boley is an Associate Professor, UBC Physics and Astronomy ; Co-Director, Outer Space Institute; Co-Author, Who Owns Outer Space?
The Dan MacLennan Memorial Lecture in Astronomy is presented by the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary's University in Halifax.
We are pleased to offer this lecture as an in-person event on the Saint Mary's University campus.
ASL-English interpreting will be available.
Image Credit: U.S. Government Accountability Office
