ETH Global Lecture Series: On the Shore of the Cosmic Ocean
Space fever at ETH Zurich! After the Mars landing, we're happy to announce the next big event - Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Head of NASA Science Mission Directorate, and Prof. Claude Nicollier, Astronaut, Swiss Space Center, EPFL, will be talking about the "Cosmic Ocean".
On the Shore of the Cosmic Ocean
external pageDr. Thomas Zurbuchen
Head of NASA Science Mission Directorate
external pageProf. Claude Nicollier
Swiss Space Center, EPFL
Free public lecture
Tuesday, 18 December 2018
ETH Zurich, Main Building, Audimax HG F 30
13.15 - 14.30 h
Doors open at 13.00 h
"The surface of the Earth is the shore of the cosmic ocean. On this shore, we've learned most of what we know. Recently, we've waded a little way out, maybe ankle-deep, and the water seems inviting."
Carl Sagan visualized our perspective on Earth as looking out to a vast ocean, and with an international fleet of space-based and ground observatories now and soon to come, we are poised more than ever to jump into the larger universe. The upcoming Solar Orbiter mission gives us a perfect example of how far we can go when we work together across traditional boundaries and realize that nothing in science is done in isolation.
Understanding our own star leads to an increased awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s place in our solar system, as well as the Sun’s influence on planets near and far, all the way out to the boundary of our solar system. And our vision doesn’t stop there; using our star as a template informs our view of other star systems and their worlds. What we learn now, sitting on that shore, will enrich our journey out into the endless cosmic sea.