Public Lecture: The Moon as Earth's Asset: Why Lunar Resources Could be the Key

Co-sponsored by the University of Notre Dame Alumni Community in Baltimore. Speaker: Dr. Clive Neal, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame. Dr. Clive Neal, has been described as a lunar evangelist. He is a planetary geologist who has focused on the origin and history of the moon. He studies the rock types and minerals that comprise lunar rocks and uses geochemical and geophysical methods to interpret the turbulent history of the moon. Dr. Neal describes his work by noting that “when humans first visited the Moon during Apollo it was described as “magnificent desolation” by Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. What we have learned from the returned samples and subsequent robotic exploration is that the Moon is an interesting and enabling place for science, exploration and commercial activity. The resources that are known to be present can be used in situ, for export back to Earth, or both.” His talk highlights these lunar resources and the potential they hold for all stakeholders. Dr. Neal has held a leadership role in the science community regarding lunar research and its practical applications and has advocated for international cooperation on researching and using lunar resources. He recently received the NASA Shoemaker Distinguished Scientist Medal for his body of work on lunar resources. He will share his expert perspective with us during his Hesburgh Lecture. The Science Complex is located at 7850 York Road (GPS address). You should enter the campus usine Research Way from York Road. Free parking is offered in the Glen Parking Garage, directly across from the Science Complex.