Science Speakeasy - Who owns space?

Science Speakeasy - Who owns space?

Thursday 14th July 2022 from 19:30pm to 21:45pm

Life Science Centre - Newcastle
Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 4EP

It’s now 65 years since humans first sent a satellite up into space, but the area surrounding Earth has started to get crowded. So the Life Science Centre team is kicking off a new season of Science Speakeasy by exploring some big questions surrounding space ownership, boundaries, laws and ethics.

So grab a drink and take a seat under Gaia (the mesmerising 7-metre recreation of our wonderful world) as we debate:

  • Who is responsible for the space ‘junk’ orbiting our planet?
  • What gives big businesses the right to assume ownership of space?
  • Who gets to decide that it’s okay to put satellites or rockets up into space when they can impact our view of our intergalactic backyard?
  • Do we have a right to make other planets suitable for human habitation when we’ve done such a bad job of looking after our own?
  • What is Space Law, and how do we enforce it?

Please note that this has already taken place on 14/07/2022

Event booking

Book tickets for this event via the Life Science Centre website.

Visit event website

Event darkness

The Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. Try to plan your stargazing when there is no bright Moon at night as this is when the skies will be at their darkest.

The below chart shows if and when the skies will be at their darkest during this event. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing.



Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Bellingham Camp & Caravan Club Site

    Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 2HR (27.9 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Le Petit Chateau

    Jedburgh Road, Otterburn, Tyne and Wear, NE19 1NR (28.7 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • The Byre at Woodside Farm

    Folly Top, Eggleston, County Durham, DL12 0DW (29.1 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Hesleyside Huts

    Hesleyside Hall, Bellingham, Northumberland, NE48 2LA (29.3 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • GlamPods Northumberland

    Troughend West Tofts, Otterburn, Tyne and Wear, NE19 1LA (29.4 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Owl Cottage – Teesdale

    Middleton in Teesdale, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 0RN (29.7 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info