OU-hosted European Lunar Symposium lands in Scotland

Moon experts from across the globe - including NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) - have attended the European Lunar Symposium (ELS), held in Scotland for the first time.

Hosted by The Open University (OU) in Scotland and one of the world’s leading space conferences, it brought together around 150 delegates across Moon science and exploration, to exchange ideas and discuss latest research findings.

Dumfries and Galloway was the setting for the 16-21 June event, which received a visit by Rick Armstrong, whose father Neil was the first person to walk on the Moon (Rick is pictured below with OU Professor Mahesh Anand).

The Scottish region is the seat of Clan Armstrong, and people lined the streets when Neil Armstrong spoke at Langholm Town Hall in 1972.

Delegates at the recent symposium at The Crichton in Dumfries included European Space Agency (ESA) and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) representatives, plus attendees travelling from Hawaii and China. 

As well as scientific plenary sessions, the week's programme included a Dumfries pipe band performance and a ceilidh.

The symposium is a partnership between NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute and its European nodes.

Schools’ engagement saw 100 secondary school pupils from the region invited to hold real Moon rocks, meet members from space agencies, take part in OU and NASA workshops, and discuss the practicalities of building on the Moon.

A key aim was to inspire young people about potentially working in and being a part of the space industry.

OU Professor of Planetary Science and Exploration Mahesh Anand, ELS co-chair since 2012, said:

“The purpose of this conference is to open research into the Moon to more parts of the world.

“Through our workshops and career seminars, we’ve aimed to showcase the vast diversity of roles in the space industry, from NASA graphic designers to JAXA robotic experts who developed the lunar rover used in Japan’s recent Moon mission. 

“Having such a wealth of expertise here in Dumfries and Galloway is a unique opportunity and I hope it leaves a lasting and positive legacy for our young people and opens their minds to new career opportunities.” 

Also coinciding with the symposium, leaders in space science delivered public talks. These ‘Solstice Seminars’ took place in partnership with the Crawick Multiverse Trust. 

Chaired by Dr Hina Khan, Executive Director of Space Scotland, these explored behind-the-scenes experiences of moon explorations, such as private companies being involved in space travel, and the significance of searching for water on the moon.  

A committee of local partners and stakeholders supported OU colleagues to plan and deliver the ELS. These included the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency, The Crichton Trust, The Crichton Foundation, The Crawick Multiverse Trust and South of Scotland Destination Alliance.

1 July 2024