Our affiliate organization, the Astronomy and Space Exploration Society, based at the University of Toronto, is co-hosting a panel discussion with The Star Spot entitled “Moving to Mars? A Panel Discussion on the Ethics and Logistics”.  We have six amazing panelists with a wide range of backgrounds (i.e., physics and astronomy, philosophy, commerce, environmental science, planetary protection, and political science) to discuss the ethical and logistical aspects of Martian settlement. The Star Spot’s host Justin Trottier will serve as moderator.

Event details:

Moving to Mars? A Panel Discussion on the Ethics and Logistics, co-presented by the Astronomy & Space Exploration Society and The Star Spot.

Date: Wednesday March 16, 2016
Time: 7-9 PM
Location: The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), G162 Auditorium located at 252 Bloor Street West

Human survival depends on planetary settlement. While Mars is the top candidate for hosting human settlers, significant ethical and logistical controversies surround the prospect of sending humans to the Red Planet. ASX has assembled a team of experts to examine those questions. Is there an ethical way to put humans on Mars? Can we search for Martian life without harming it? Are there any contemporary projects that could feasibly send humans to Mars? If not, when will we be able to launch a Mars mission? And does Canada have a role in the future of space travel and planetary settlement? We have assembled panelists with a wide range of backgrounds to cover the most pressing questions about Martian settlement, a topic with a serious impact on the survival of our species.