Benefits of Space Exploration
and Astronomy
Historically Speaking...
• Without astronomy we would
not have timekeeping and
calendars!
• Without astronomy we would
not be aware of the worlds,
including a whole universe of
planets and stars and galaxies,
that exist beyond Earth.
In our daily lives...
• We would not be able to
predict weather patterns.
• We would not be able to
monitor the changing
environment in Earth
• We would not have the
same communication
• We would not be able to
navigate with GPS
We Would Live in Fear!
• We would not be able to
monitor solar radiation
• We would not be able to
monitor asteroids or comets
that might impact and possibly
destroy the Earth
It Brings Nations Together
• Astronomy and space research encourages
international cooperation between nations.
• It reminds us that we may be from different
countries but we share one planet.
Leaders of the World...
• Investing in space research and astronomy
allows Canadians to be leaders in developing
new technologies.
• This leads to jobs in our country.
Radarsat2 is a communication
satellite that monitors our
marine waters, is improving our
mapping of remote areas of
Earth. It was invented by
Canadians.
Opportunity
•
Do any of you dream of being an astronaut,
astronomer, or having a career in space research
one day?
•
Less than 10% of the countries on Earth invest in
space exploration or astronomy. This dream is
almost impossible for children in the other 90%
of the countries on Earth.
•
It is because the government allocates a portion
of its spending to astronomy and space
exploration that you have the opportunity to
pursue these careers.
•
Astronomy attracts young people to science and
technology, and hence to careers in these fields.
Chris Hadfield, Canadian astronaut, in space.
John Percy, an astronomer at the
University of Toronto, studies stars,
namely pulsating red giant stars, to
learn how stars change or evolve over
time. This research help us learn more
about our Sun.
Protecting our home.
• Astronomy and space exploration allow us to
monitor and continue to learn about our
home, Earth.