Space Park Conversations: Satellites, Astro-Photography and Astronomy

Space Park Conversations

In collaboration with the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity & Space

As satellite megaconstellations continue to expand, the night sky is changing before our eyes. But what does this mean for the people who spend countless hours observing and photographing it?

Join us at Space Park Leicester for the latest instalment of our Space Park Conversations series, exploring the growing impact of satellites on amateur astronomy and astrophotography.

This fascinating talk will examine how the rapid increase in satellites orbiting Earth is affecting observational practices in some of the UK’s most celebrated dark sky locations, including the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Park areas.

Drawing on interview-based research with amateur astronomers, the session explores:

• How satellites are reshaping experiences of the night sky
• The challenges satellite trails create for deep-sky astrophotography
• The growing sense of industrialisation of space and its visible impact from Earth
• Wider social and environmental questions surrounding the future of orbital activity

Whether you are interested in space sustainability, astronomy, environmental change or the cultural impact of space technologies, this talk offers a thought-provoking perspective on one of the fastest-changing aspects of our relationship with space.

Jack is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at York St John University. His research explores how outer space is socially understood, particularly in relation to crime, regulation and environmental impacts beyond Earth.

He has played a key role in shaping the emerging fields of space criminology and astro-green criminology, with research examining the consequences of satellites and orbital debris on observational astronomy.

Jack is the author and co-author of several influential publications, including:

• Space Criminology
• Crime, Criminal Justice and Ethics in Outer Space: International Perspectives

• Free to attend
• Open to all (students, staff, industry and public audiences)
• Complimentary refreshments available
• The Blue Marble Café will be open for drinks, snacks and lunch

Space Park Conversations is our regular programme of free public talks bringing together leading experts from across science, technology, engineering and beyond. Each session offers unique insights into the work shaping our world and our understanding of the universe.

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Host or Publisher Space Park Leicester (University of Leicester)