Auckland Astronomical Society Inc

Introduction to Astronomy February 2026
2026-02-16 20:00 - 21:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Stardome Observatory, 670 Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1345, New Zealand
Astronaut Radiation Exposure
How safe is deep-space travel?
This month, humans are returning to the Moon for the first time since 1972. NASA’s Artemis II mission is sending four astronauts as a stepping stone towards a Moon base and, eventually, Mars by 2030 and 2040, respectively. Radiation exposure is a major challenge to astronauts. How much radiation will Moon- and Mars-bound astronauts be exposed to, including traversing Earth’s Van Allen Belts, and what is their risk of radiation-related illness or diseases from such journeys?
Come along for an in-depth discussion on what radiation is, where it comes from, how it affects the body, and how much is considered acceptable. Finally, we discuss current and future countermeasures, including data from the 2022 Artemis I mission. Learn about NASA’s current research that benefits astronauts, cancer patients, and society in general. All attendees receive a comprehensive multi-page handout.
See you all there!
