Articles
Source: http://lifesciences.exeter.ac.uk/routes/
Routes Conversation Round Up - Is There a Planet B?
Written by Dr Ben Hudson (Routes Co-coordinator)
On 11 May 2022, Routes hosted an ambitious interdisciplinary Conversation examining the seemingly insatiable human desire (of at least some) to realise interplanetary migration. It brought together academics and students from across the University of Exeter’s Devon and Cornwall campuses, in-person and via live video link, from disciplines including astrophysics, astronomy, law, politics, geography, classics, creative writing, medicine and mining.
The Conversation was kicked off by two excellent speakers – Dr Raphaëlle Haywood and Professor Nathan Mayne. Dr Haywood expertly, yet simply, presented the science that leads to the unequivocal conclusion that there is no “planet B”. Professor Mayne then broadened the discussion by sharing his thoughts on not only the viability, but also the desirability, of current space exploration ambitions, both commercial (think SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin) and governmental. The following Conversation (which ran to well over an hour!) was rich and diverse, and reflective of its contributors. The discussion dealt in particular with the multi-faceted risks and harms associated with interplanetary migration, as well as its illusory nature, thus questioning the real aims and intentions behind the desire of some (both private and governmental actors) to make interplanetary migration a reality.
A conclusion shared by all participants is that this is a vast area of necessarily interdisciplinary study, and that this initial Conversation will prove to be a springboard to further conversations and future research projects at Exeter.
About our speakers
Dr Raphaëlle Haywood is a Senior Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Exeter. Her research concerns the detection and characterisation of exoplanets, with a particular focus on overcoming obstacles created by stellar ‘noise’.
Professor Nathan Mayne is a Professor in Astrophysics and Planetary Climates in the University of Exeter’s School of Physics. His main research focus is the creation of a theoretical framework to study the atmospheres of exoplanets through the adaption of the Met Office Global Circulation Model.
About Routes Conversations
Routes Conversations are informal monthly gatherings where individuals from different disciplinary or practice backgrounds come together to catalyse a conversation around migration. For details about upcoming Routes Conversations, please visit the Routes Events page. To join the Routes mailing list, please email routes@exeter.ac.uk.
Date: 15 June 2022