The Space Mission: Comet 67P event was both entertaining and educational. It also asked questions about where we came from, Jackson Said from the Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy, says.
Many think that space research is something that larger nations conduct. However, Malta has its own Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy at the University of Malta. What research do you carry out?
Space science is pivotal to the future of Malta’s knowledge economy. This field provides large volumes of data and in turn, data analysis provides unparalleled training that will go into preparing Malta’s future entrepreneurs and business leaders.
My research focuses on the more theoretical side of astrophysics, specifically gravity and how it works. Albert Einstein left a working model that describes very well the interaction of gravity between bodies within our solar system. This is called general relativity. However when we take observations of the larger cosmos, gravity appears to be slightly weaker than we would expect. To account for this, astrophysicists generally artificially substitute this unknown element with what is called dark energy. My contribution to this research involves trying to find better ways of explaining this unknown ingredient in more concrete terms.
How did you get involved in this year’s edition of Science in the City?
The Malta Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy was inaugurated last September but the research group that provided the momentum to make this happen has been around for a number of years. Edward Duca, project manager for Science in the City, always highlights the work that we do at the annual Science in the City event – however, given that this is our first year as an official institute, it was the right time for this work to feature as the centrepiece of this important outreach event.
The Space Mission activity was one of the highlights of this year’s edition of Science in the City. What inspired this activity?
Last year the European Space Agency landed, for the first time in history, a satellite on a comet. All the while the comet was speeding through space at more than 100,000km/h. We wanted to show the Maltese public the importance of this amazing mission, which encapsulates the growing ability of Europe to lead in space exploration.
The Space Mission: Comet 67P event at St George’s Square, Valletta hosted all the major features of the Rosetta Mission. This journey started from the launch pad of our rocket show, which took place every 30 minutes or so. The audience was then guided through the route the satellite took before it landed on comet 67P, of which we also had a model. We also had a large model of the satellite itself.
On the main stage, speakers discussed everything from the existence of aliens to exoplanets. Of particular importance was the talk by Govert Schilling who has a comet named after him. Schilling discussed the important role that smaller solar objects play in the solar system and what we can learn from them.
The Space Mission activity was inspired by the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission. What is the significance of this mission to humanity?
The mission that led to a satellite landing on comet 67P last year is significant not only for the engineering feat that it represents but also for its scientific importance. We have always posed questions about where we come from – this mission aims to partially answer that question. Comets hail from the same time that the planets formed. However unlike planets they act as freezers for the segments of time that they are born in.
From the Rosetta Mission we will find out more about the early solar system and the kind of environments that existed at that time. This may even lead to a better understanding of the processes that led to life on Earth. The Rosetta Mission has surpassed all previous space engineering feats and is posed to open a window into our own origins.
How was the Rosetta mission presented to the Space Mission audience?
The event was composed of visual, audio as well as demonstrative performances. There was an emphasis on the models since they are so important to really getting a clear concept of what a big project this is. However there was something for every sort of audience member. Also, every item had a number of young scientists with them who could answer questions from the audience.
How did you combine the educational with the entertainment elements?
Education doesn’t have to be boring – in fact some of the best educators are very entertaining and can captivate an audience. Our aim was to design the square in such a way that it was both entertaining and at the same time could teach the audience about this fantastic mission that is currently taking place.
How was the audience involved in the Space Mission activity?
Science in the City is unlike other scientific events in that the audience can meet and discuss at length with scientists about anything related to their field. This is due to the street science element to the events. Also, every rerun of the event could take on a different twist depending on how the audience interacts with the presenter.
As for the parts of the square which will not have a prepared show, mainly the model parts, young scientists were at hand to explain any curiosity that audience members had.
The ultimate aim of this event was to help the public understand what Malta is doing in the space science arena.
Most members of the audience probably asked you whether you believe that aliens exist. What was your reply?
Interestingly enough, we had a whole talk by Alessio Magro tackling this very topic. However, as for my opinion, I think it’s more a question of will we ever connect with alien societies than whether they exist. For me, it seems very unlikely that Earth is alone in being a host to life in the cosmos. However it may be that if sufficiently advanced alien societies do exist then they may not be interested in communicating with us or may not even know of our existence. On the other hand it may just be a matter of time until we have our first encounter.