Talks and shows

Understanding the Northern Lights: From Earth to Jupiter

Join planetary scientist Marina Galand for a look at what aurora can teach us about planets and moons around the solar system.

Image of the northern lights

The spectacle of the northern lights is usually confined to the Scandinavian skies and other Northern regions. But over the past year, the phenomenon has been visible all over the UK as the Sun is reaching its maximum activity. The northern lights reveal not only the interaction of the Sun with the Earth’s magnetic shield, but also a glance of the interaction of Solar System bodies with their space environment, including the auroral ovals crowning Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter.  

Join planetary scientist Marina Galand as she explains how the presence of these aurorae suggest the presence of a sub-surface ocean of salty water on Ganymede, a crucial finding in the search for habitable worlds. Marina will also introduce us to the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), and what we hope to learn from its latest expedition to Ganymede. The leading-edge technology onboard JUICE will be observing the magnetic field induced by electric currents in the subsurface ocean. These currents result from a process first identified by Michael Faraday right here at the Ri.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Marina Galand

Image of Marina Galand

Marina Galand is a Professor in Planetary Science at Imperial College London. Her principal research interest is the study of atmospheres around planets, moons and comets. She has investigated the deposition of solar and auroral energy in atmospheres throughout the Solar System and beyond, using state-of-the-art models she has adapted to new environments. She has undertaken this modelling activity in close links to space missions, such as Cassini-Huygens to Saturn and Titan and Rosetta to comet 67P. Her original approach combines multi-instrument observations with physics-based models for optimising the science return. She is Science Co-I for the ultraviolet and plasma instruments onboard the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), and is leading the magnetometer on probe B2 for Comet Interceptor. She has been awarded the IoP-SFP Fernand Holweck Medal (2018) and the RAS James Dungey Lectureship (2023). She is actively involved in outreach to increase the public’s interest in space science and inspire the next generations.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions