THE HERA SPACE MISSION IN THE WAKE OF DART: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE RISK OF IMPACTS ON EARTH

In September 2022, the DART space mission (NASA) performed a historic milestone by conducting the first asteroid deflection experiment, impacting Dimorphos, the small satellite of the near-Earth asteroid binary system Didymos. This achievement has shed light on the ability of current technology to deflect asteroids, but what more do we need to know about mitigating the risk of asteroid collisions with Earth?

The Hera space mission (ESA), was launched on October 7, 2024, embarking on the same asteroid system to study in detail the effects of the DART collision and address other outstanding unknowns.

In addition, Hera will, for the first time, carry out measurements of the internal structure of these asteroids, marking the beginning of a new era in space exploration.

At the end of this activity, a free astronomical observation will take place in the Astronomy Garden of the Umbracle. This activity, with free access until full capacity is reached, will allow attendees to explore the Orion Nebula M42 and Andromeda M31 through telescopes.

Programme

6.30 pm: Entrance to the hall
7.00 pm: Lecture in the Santiago Grisolía Auditorium
8.00 pm: End of the lecture and start of the colloquium
8.30 pm: End of the colloquium
8.30 pm: Astronomical observation

Access to the activity will be through the west door of the Calle Menor of the Museu de les Ciències (next to the Hemisfèric).

Free access until full capacity is reached.

This conference will be recorded on video and broadcast live, and may be disseminated in any of the audiovisual media and/or spaces of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, as well as on Youtube.