Our Fragile Space: Protecting the Near-Space Environment

Our Fragile Space: Protecting the Near-Space Environment

Includes a complimentary exhibition catalogue for all attendees of this event.

The night sky is a shared human heritage, yet it faces an unprecedented dual threat: the physical congestion of space debris and the impact of satellite constellations on our Dark and Quiet Skies. Often called the "fourth domain" of environmental concern, the near-space environment is now at a critical tipping point.

Join renowned space photographer Max Alexander for an evening dedicated to the stewardship of our orbital commons. This event centres on his global touring exhibition, Our Fragile Space, which returns to London for a flagship residency in the historic Burlington House Courtyard.

The evening begins with an exclusive guided tour of the outdoor installation, where Max will share the stories behind his striking large-scale imagery—from high-velocity impact labs to the rocket launches at Cape Canaveral. The subsequent talk will explore how visual storytelling serves as a vital tool for galvanising space sustainability policy.

Crucially, this iteration of the project features a powerful new dimension: the perspectives of indigenous communities and professional astronomers from around the world. Their photographs remind us that protecting the night sky is not just a scientific necessity, but a cultural obligation to all who live under our shared skies.

Timetable:

• 17:30 – 18:00: Guided tour of the exhibition (Burlington House Courtyard)
• 18:00 – 18:15: Arrivals for the talk (RAS Lecture Theatre) and distribution of complimentary exhibition catalogues
• 18:15 – 19:15: Public Talk: Protecting the Near-Space Environment by Max Alexander
• 19:15 – 20:00: Drinks reception

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Royal Astronomical Society