Mapping New Worlds Beyond Planet Earth

The Science Book Forum, a Qatar National Library initiative, presented the lecture “Mapping Planets” on 17 November.

Dr. Alessandro Frigeri from the National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome shared his expertise on how we map new worlds beyond planet Earth.

Participants learned how maps for celestial bodies such as comets, asteroids and Saturn’s moons are made and the similarities and differences they have with maps of Earth. Maps of Earth and other objects in space help scientists understand the evolution of the solar system.

Mohamed Abdelmoety, who attended the lecture, said: “I am attending today’s lecture to understand an important aspect of the solar system and how scientists map the different celestial bodies. The lecture is a useful start for me to do in-depth research about the solar system in the future.”

Another participant, Hesham Elgoni, said: “I help run an astronomy club at Qatar Univeristy and do personal studies on the solar system. Mapping a planet is interesting for me and my children, who are also keen to learn more about space. I will continue to attend these lectures at the Library, which provide useful information for aspiring scientists.”