For the love of space
April 08, 2022
Since the beginning of the space age in the 1950s, humans have been exploring outer space and extraterrestrial objects physically. These new worlds are vastly different from the terrestrial world that humans have emerged from, and adapted to.
If the infinite and unknown expanse of the universe fires your imagination, you can look forward to the module HSI2010: New Worlds Beyond Earth which will be offered to College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) students in August 2022 (Semester 1, Academic Year 2022/2023) under the Scientific Inquiry 2 pillar.
This is an interdisciplinary module – integrating physics, chemistry, biology and geology – that covers a topic of astronomy that is directly related to the real world – space exploration.
HSI2010 shows how scientific methods are used to develop spaceflight technology and study other objects in the Solar System. It illustrates the development and manifold uses of technology – to make space travel more economical and sustainable, to allow humans to remain in outer space and withstand the harsh environment for extended periods, and to exploit and colonise outer space. It will also dwell into how scientists search for liquid water and potential biosignatures on other Solar System objects.
Dr Cindy NG, a senior lecturer at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, has taught several modules covering different themes of astronomy. She looks forward to her latest foray into this relatively new theme in her teaching career. It is also in line with her research interests in dark energy models, testing models with observational data, and cosmography.
She says, “I enjoy explaining the science underlying celestial events as well as telling the relevant stories and human cultures…I also enjoy explaining the history of cosmology and discussing philosophical questions concerning the existence of the universe.”