School Of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Holds Public Lecture

Dr. Anne Verbiscer, Associate Research Professor, University of Virginia

The School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS) in collaboration with the Department of Physics and the US Embassy organised a public lecture series on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the K. A. Busia Lecture Hall, University of Ghana. The lecture, chaired by Professor Robert Kingsford-Adaboh, Acting Dean of SPMS was delivered by Dr. Anne Verbiscer, Associate Research Professor, University of Virginia on the topic:  "Exploring the Outer Solar System with NASA's New Horizons Mission”.

Prof. Robert Kingsford-Adaboh, Ag. Dean of SPMS making some remarks

Delivering the lecture, Dr. Anne Verbiscer stated that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) set out in January 2006 on a mission to explore the outer solar system using the New Horizons spacecraft which travels with an average speed of about 14km/s. The goal of this mission was to understand generally, the formation of the Pluto system, the Kuiper belt, and the transformation of the early solar system and specifically explore Pluto and its system of moons. With an interest in discovering the farthest area from the sun, their objective was to map the surfaces of both Pluto and its large satellite, determine the composition, pressure-temperature structure, and escape rate of Pluto’s atmosphere. She noted that NASA was able to achieve this objective in 2014, earlier than expected.  

She also touched on smaller undiscovered objects in outer space, farther than Pluto. One of such objects, named Ultima Thule meaning “beyond the borders is unknown”.  According to Dr. Verbiscer, a total number of four (4) expeditions were made to unravel this newly found area. On January 1, 2019, the spacecraft had a flyby of potential target 1 (PT1) which was nicknamed MU69.

Participants at the Lecture

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Verbiscer noted that although one cannot rule out completely the ability of mankind to live on Ultima Thule, some factors such as the non-availability of warmth, due to the distance from the sun, can make it difficult for life on it. However, researchers are yet to confirm if it can sustain human life.

After the presentation, there was a question and answer session, during which both students and faculty members engaged Dr. Verbiscer in a series of interesting questions and contributions on space exploration.

Questions and contributions from participants

Earlier in the day, Dr. Verbiscer held discussions with the Provost and other officials of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences. She also had a meeting with faculty members of the Department of Physics to discuss the development of an astronomy curriculum for the Department. 

Group photograph after the lecture