Works That Shaped The World 2019: The Moon Landing with Prof. Brian Schmidt

The ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Centre present Works That Shaped The World; a series of talks exploring humankind's great achievements and astonishing creations. Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing in 1969, the inaugural 2019 series explores the moon through topics ranging from Shakespeare and cinema to environmental humanities and Pythagoras. The moon has held a special place in cultures across the globe. An object of mystical wonder and focus of scientific inquiry, the moon is an enduring subject for artists, poets, and writers.

To land on the moon represented not only a remarkable technological achievement but one that created in human history a shared moment of optimism. An achievement for human ambition and scientific discovery, born out of the geopolitical competition between nations. Join us on March 20 as an expert panel joins ANU Vice-Chancellor and Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt, looking back at that pivotal moment on July 16, 1969.

In this the first talk of the series, we explore how that moment changed our perceptions of space and of ourselves. What ingenuity, innovation, and lesser-known talent among a collaboration involving hundreds of thousands made such a momentous achievement possible? And how the Apollo program changed our lives, and the lives of those who made the seemingly impossible journey?

Talk and panel discussion: 6:00-7:30pm Wine and nibbles: 7:30-8pm