Eyes on Mars: A Cultural and Scientific Exploration
Mon 20 Jan 2025 | 6pm–10pm
Tickets: £35, concessions: £25
Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN
Join us on the closing evening of Mars for a one-off event featuring artist Luke Jerram and London’s leading Mars experts.
This one-off lecture and panel talk beneath the glow of Jerram’s installation delves into the cultural and scientific significance of Mars. Explore the science, art, and wonder of the red planet through engaging talks and hands-on planet gazing sessions.
From the influence of science in mythology and sci-fi, to the challenges and possibilities of establishing human settlements in space, we explore our fascination with science and the red planet.
Sessions
Exploring the Mars Rover with Dr Gupta | 6pm–7pm
Join Dr Sanjeev Gupta as he explores the remarkable discoveries of NASA’s Mars rover missions, Curiosity and Perseverance, dedicated to the search for evidence of ancient life on the red planet.
Telescope observing session 1 | 7pm–7.30pm
Take part in a outdoor planet gazing session led by the Royal Observatory.
Mars and Sci-fi | 7.30pm–8.30pm
Listen to astronomers from the Royal Observatory as they explore the connection between literature and science, and examine how science fiction inspires a passion for science and how science, in turn, can influence storytelling.
Telescope observing session 2 | 8.30pm–9pm
Take part in a outdoor planet gazing session led by the Royal Observatory.
Art and science with Luke Jerram | 9pm–10pm
Join artist and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Luke Jerram, as he explores the influence of science on his artistic practice and the impact it’s had on broader culture.
Important information
- Each session includes a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask any question you may have about Mars.
- Your ticket grants you access to all sessions. Feel free to stay for the entire programme or pick your favourites.
- The planet gazing experience is weather dependant.
- The Painted Hall is temperature controlled for conservation purposes so can be cold, we therefore recommend bringing extra layers of clothing, and a blanket, to stay warm during the session.
About the speakers
Dr Sanjeev Gupta
Sanjeev Gupta is interested in the processes that shape landscapes and how they evolve through time. He is a professor of Earth Sciences at Imperial College London. His work has encompassed not only the submerged landscapes of the English Channel, but also the landscapes of early Bronze-age civilisations in India. His current work jumps between working with NASA rovers on Mars searching for evidence of ancient life and studying water resources and environments of densely populated river landscapes in India.
Luke Jerram
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the world.
Luke Jerram was given honorary doctorates from the University of Bristol in 2020 and University of Gloucestershire in 2022. He was made an Honorary Academician of the RWA and Fellow of The Royal Astronomical Society in 2020. He currently holds position of Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield.
Jake Foster
Jake Foster is an astronomer and science communicator at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. He develops the Observatory’s public astronomy programme, which involves creating and hosting astronomical live-streams, panel discussions and stargazing events, as well as delivering interactive workshops and planetarium shows for the public and schools. He holds a BSc in Physics with Astronomy and an MSc in Science Communication.
Patricia Skelton
Patricia Skelton is Deputy Head of Astronomy, Programmes and Outreach at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. She is an astronomer, teaching professional, science communicator, and author. She has a passion for astronomy and space exploration and believes that every engagement is an opportunity to ignite someone’s curiosity about the Universe and the world around them. Of all the objects in the Solar System, Mars is her favourite - whenever it's up in the night sky, she makes sure to wave hello.
Mars in the Painted Hall
23 Nov 2024–20 Jan 2025
Mars is landing in Greenwich this winter
Find out more