Did we really land on the Moon? | In-person

More than half a century after astronauts last set foot on the Moon, we are set to return there in the next few years as part of the Artemis program that will (to quote NASA’s stated goals) “establish a permanent base on the Moon to facilitate human missions to Mars.” And yet, as we stand on the threshold of this exciting next “giant leap for Mankind”, there are still many theories around that claim Neil Armstrong’s famous “One small step” from Apollo 11 was a hoax, filmed in secret here on Earth!

Join University of Glasgow astronomer and “black hole hunter” Professor Martin Hendry as he takes a closer look at the science behind “moon hoax” claims and how the seemingly ever-rising tide of misinformation on the internet continues to give them oxygen.

Can't attend in-person? Watch online!

This is a hybrid event. This event page is for the in-person tickets only. If you would like to attend online, please book your tickets through the online (livestreamed) event page.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Filming: Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

SPEAKER

Professor Martin Hendry FRSE

Professor of Gravitational Astrophysics and Cosmology, Vice Principal and Clerk of Senate, University of Glasgow

Martin Hendry is Professor of Gravitational Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University of Glasgow, where in 2022 he was appointed Vice Principal and Clerk of Senate. Martin is a senior member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration which (with their colleagues in the Virgo Collaboration) made the first-ever direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015 – a discovery awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Physics.Martin is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, where he is currently Vice-President (Public Engagement) and also chairs the Learned Societies Group on Scottish STEM Education.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

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