Solar Sails: an exciting glimpse of the future?

Event notes:

Parking at the Hall; suitable for all with an interest in astronomy and space travel; Refreshments available.

Event details:

• Location: Clanfield Memorial Hall, South Lane, Clanfield Waterlooville PO8 0RB
• Fee: £3 for non members
• Date: 11th March 2016
• Time: 19:30 for 19:45 start
• Organiser: Peta Bosley
• Club/Association: Hampshire Astronomical Group
• Contact email: peta.bosley@hantsastro.org.uk

Hampshire Astronomical Group - Solar Sails: an exciting glimpse of the future?

Dr Thomas Waters of Portsmouth University will discuss solar sails. These are a novel type of spacecraft, using sunlight, with potential for limited fuel demands. They are capable of a whole new class of orbits which conventional spacecraft cannot access. This talk hopes to introduce the solar sail concept, discuss some of the current and proposed solar sail missions, and sketch some of the complex dynamics in an accessible (and equation free) way.