The Rush To the Moon. 60 Years Later.

Thursday, Oct 15th, 2026, 545-830pm

The Collaboratory (Young Hall 4222)

This event is sponsored in part, through a generous gift by Michael Thacher and Rhonda Rundle

The Moon is our nearest celestial neighbor in space and has captivated civilizations since the dawn of humanity. It formed out of the collision of a Mars-sized asteroid called Theia with the Earth, 4.5 billion years ago, about 100 million years after the Earth itself formed. 54 years since the last Apollo landings, there is an international push to re-establish a human presence on the Moon. The absence of an atmosphere, and the wild swings in the day-night temperatures on the Moon will challenge any long-term human presence. But the discovery of water-ice in permanently shadowed regions on the moon suggests that it may be possible to build up an ecosystem of sorts. Is the interest in the moon purely scientific, or is it geopolitical? Are there benefits to humanity on Earth by developing the technologies needed for building a lunar base? Is it the need for Helium-3 as a coolant, or a desire for reducing the environmental footprint of mining activities on Earth? With Artemis II behind us and Artemis III on the horizon, come join us as our experts discuss the scientific and the technological motivations and challenges behind the return to the moon.

Agenda:

Park in Parking Structure 2 on Charles Young Drive East

545pm: Arrivals

600-715pm: Introduction and Talks

715-730pm: Audience Q&A

730-830pm: Reception

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