- Flett Events Theatre, Red Zone
- Tuesday 1 July, 18.30–20.00
- Adult non-member: £25, Adult member: £15, Livestream: £5
Dig Deeper
A regular series of talks bringing you closer to our science.
Delve into our pioneering projects and find out more about our collections as we celebrate and showcase the world-leading scientific research we carry out here at the Museum.
Led by our scientists and covering a broad range of topics, these panel discussions dig deeper into our rich history, pioneering science and compelling collections.
Our scientists will be joined by an exciting line up of external speakers for a series of inspiring conversations that is not to be missed. Whether you want to learn about a new topic, delve into the world of scientific discovery or contribute to the discussion, these talks are perfect for you.
All onsite tickets include a free drink.
Dig Deeper: Ingredients for Life in Space
Join us for an out-of-this-world evening as we unravel the science behind habitability and investigate the recipe for life in space.
What are the essential ingredients for life beyond Earth? Our space experts Professor Sara Russell and Dr Ashley King will uncover cosmic clues, from pristine meteorites to the latest findings from the asteroid Bennu.
Starting with the Winchcombe meteorite, they’ll explore how untainted space material offers invaluable insights into the early solar system. By studying carefully collected samples such as those from Bennu, scientists are piecing together a clearer picture of the conditions that may foster life beyond Earth.
Sara and Ashley will then consider how these discoveries inform the search for life on Mars and icy worlds, examining what we know, what remains unanswered and where future exploration may lead.
Speaker biographies
Professor Sara Russell
Sara is a researcher in cosmic mineralogy and planetary sciences in our Department of Earth Sciences. Along with her team, she’s interested in the formation of – and origin of water in – our solar system. They also study the formation and evolution of the moons of the terrestrial planets. Sara is a member of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission Science Team and of JAXA’s Hayabusa2 Analysis Team. She’s also a European Space Agency representative on the International Science Board of JAXA’s MMX mission and the asteroid 5497 Sararussell has even been named after her.
Dr Ashley King
Ashley’s research aims to understand the formation of our solar system – how it evolved from a cloud of gas and dust to the Sun, planets, asteroids and comets of today. He uses a range of analytical techniques to investigate the properties of primitive meteorites and samples returned by spacecraft from asteroids and comets. Ashley was one of the first UK scientists to study samples returned from the asteroid Bennu, which is helping us to understand how our solar system came to be.
How to watch
Onsite
Book your place to join us in-person in our Flett Events Theatre.
Online
If you’re a Member, Patron or Corporate Supporter and you’re unable to join us in person, you can watch these talks for free online via a private web link accessible on The Hive.
Our Members, Patrons and Corporate Supporters will also receive an email with the private web link on the day of the talk. Make sure you’re opted in to receive our e-newsletters. If you haven’t received an e-newsletter recently, contact us to confirm your email address.
Non-Members
If you’re a not a member, you can book an online-only ticket. This will give you access to the livestream and online recording. You’ll be emailed the link to the livestream on the day of the event.
How to ask a question
You can ask questions in real-time during the livestream by heading to the video on YouTube and typing your question in the chat box.
We’ll also take questions from our in-person audience as part of the question and answer section of the talk.
Visiting information
- Members, please remember to bring your membership card to present alongside your Members ticket.
- Tickets are non-transferrable and no refunds or exchanges will be given.
- We'll send an email with more information the week of the event to help you prepare for your visit.
- Doors open at 18.30, the event ends at 20.00.
- This event is recommended for ages 12+ but all ages are welcome.
- You're not allowed to bring alcohol, any alcohol will be confiscated.
- This event is wheelchair accessible.
- Got a question? Contact us anytime via after-hours@nhm.ac.uk
Discount member tickets
Members can purchase discount tickets for this event. Please bring your membership card with you to the event. Not a member? Join today.
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