50 years ago, Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon. Since, our fascination with sending people into space has not stopped and we are now contemplating sending people to Mars. But as we are doing so, looking back at the political, technological and social achievements and mistakes made during this enterprise can help us make our future explorations to Mars an even bigger success for all humanity.

The talks contained in this seminar will examine the representations of the Moon in the literary imagination to help us unpack our fascination with the Moon. The talks will also explain the technology and the science which have allowed mankind to land on the Moon and to return safely home, the history and politics of the space race which have allowed man to take off into space, and the legal framework that has caused international division but could unite us in our space exploration. The talks will also reflect on how Scotland could provide a model for this more inclusive exploration.

Speakers:

Dr Simon Malpas - Lecturer in English Literature, The University of Edinburgh

Dr Saskia Vermeylen - Lecturer in Law, The University of Strathclyde

Dr Fraser MacDonald - Lecturer in Historical Geography, The University of Edinburgh

Dr Alastair Bruce - Researcher in Astronomy, The Royal Observatory of Edinburgh

Combined with and art installation (do arrive early to see it!), and followed by Q&A and informal drinks reception.

Do join us for this final seminar and this celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing! More details will soon be available at www.sdos.ac.uk and follow Social Dimensions of Outer Space on Twitter @S_D_O_S as we will return next year (and maybe even before that)!