Benefits of Space Exploration and Astronomy

Benefits of Space Exploration and Astronomy

Historically Speaking...

• Without astronomy we would not have timekeeping and calendars!

• Without astronomy we would not be aware of the worlds, including a whole universe ofplanets and stars and galaxies,that exist beyond Earth.

In our daily lives...• We would not be able to

predict weather patterns.

• We would not be able to monitor the changing environment in Earth

• We would not have the same communication

• We would not be able to navigate with GPS

• We would not be able to monitor solar radiation

• We would not be able to monitor asteroids or comets that might impact and possibly destroy the Earth

Asteroid could hit

Earth in 2036!

People used to live in fear ofthe sun blowing up or wondering if

asteroids would hit Earth at any time.

We Would Live in Fear!

It Brings Nations Together

• Astronomy and space research encourages international cooperation between nations.

• It reminds us that we may be from different countries but we share one planet.

Leaders of the World...

• Investing in space research and astronomy allows Canadians to be leaders in developing new technologies.

• This leads to jobs in our country.

Radarsat2 is a communication satellite that monitors our marine waters, is improving our mapping of remote areas of Earth. It was invented by Canadians.

Opportunity• Do any of you dream of being an astronaut,

astronomer, or having a career in space research one day?

• Less than 10% of the countries on Earth invest in space exploration or astronomy. This dream is almost impossible for children in the other 90% of the countries on Earth.

• It is because the government allocates a portion of its spending to astronomy and space exploration that you have the opportunity to pursue these careers.

• Astronomy attracts young people to science and technology, and hence to careers in these fields.

Chris Hadfield, Canadian astronaut, in space.

John Percy, an astronomer at the University of Toronto, studies stars, namely pulsating red giant stars, to learn how stars change or evolve over time. This research help us learn more about our Sun.

Protecting our home.

• Astronomy and space exploration allow us to monitor and continue to learn about our home, Earth.