Ticketed

Essential Information

Type Talks and tours
Location
Date and Times Tuesday 15 October 2024 | 6.30pm-7.30pm
Prices Free | Members only

Member exclusive. Not a member? Join now

Asteroids have loomed large in the collective imagination for as long as they’ve been known, with films and books often depicting world ending events. 

A photograph in the Royal Museums Greenwich collection shows the aftermath of an asteroid explosion over Siberia in 1908, visible 4,000 miles away from the roof of the Queen’s House. Should we be concerned? What are the facts?

Over the past 50 years, scientists and engineers have progressed our understanding of asteroids. Today modern telescopic surveys discover nearby asteroids every night and the first space missions to test deflection techniques have been launched. 

In 2016, the United Nations designated 30 June as International Asteroid Day, recognising the importance of studying and defending the Earth against potentially destructive space rocks.

Professor Alan Fitzsimmons has worked in planetary defence for the past two decades and will be speaking to Members in the Peter Harrison Planetarium about the current state of affairs and what is expected in the next 10 years.

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Join today for a host of exclusive benefits and events, including unlimited free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium, and special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum.

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What’s On

New Members' Tour
Talks and tours | Member events

New Members' Tour

Embark on a voyage of discovery around the Museum in the company of one of our volunteer guides
Various dates | 11am - 12pm
Free for Members | Booking essential
In Greenwich
James Webb Space Telescope: three years on
Talks and tours | Member events

James Webb Space Telescope: three years on

Join us for an online Members lecture to learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope three years after its launch with a Royal Observatory astronomer
Thursday 30 January 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Online
Members' crafting
Family fun | Member events

Members' crafting

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members.
Every other month | 11am-11.45am, 12.15pm-1pm, 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2.45pm-3.30pm
Free for Family Members – booking required
In Greenwich
Ends of the Earth
Talks and tours | Member events

Ends of the Earth

Hear from author Neil Shubin about the polar regions and how they may shape life on Earth far more than we realise.
Thursday 13 February 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Online

Main image courtesy of NASA/JSC