On the occasion of National Space Day (GNS) on 16 December 2024, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) will participate in the European Expo-Forum on the New Space Economy (NSE), an annual event to be held at the Rome from 16 to 18 December. This year’s edition marks an important anniversary: 60 years since the launch of the first Italian satellite, San Marco 1, occurred on December 15, 1964 from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The Expo-Forum, which brings together scientists, industrialists, academics, students and enthusiasts, is a point of reference for exploring the challenges and opportunities of the New Space Economy, a sector repeatedly defined as crucial by institutions and experts. The event, organized by Fiera Roma in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), aims to be a showcase of technological innovations applied in space and geophysics.
This year, INGV’s participation is part of the activities to celebrate the Institute’s 25th anniversary. The INGV stand will offer a series of immersive and interactive experiences, focusing on how space science is significantly contributing to the study of geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and environmental changes.
In particular, the Earth Space Observations Center (COS-INGV) will coordinate activities related to space and aerospace exploration. Among the main attractions, visitors will be able to experience:
The Planeterella: a simulator that reproduces the polar auroras, allowing you to explore the mysterious charm of the Earth’s magnetic field in a completely immersive environment.
HERMES and PEGASUS: two innovative scientific instruments that operated in the stratosphere, collecting precious data on the environment and space.
Interactive experiments: practical activities that illustrate how to calibrate and analyze data from satellites.
Monitoring and analysis of volcanic clouds: A demonstration of cutting-edge technologies used to study the impact of eruptions on air traffic and the environment.
Earth monitoring techniques from space: information on monitoring sea levels and observing seismic and volcanic signals.
The National Space Day program also includes a series of thematic seminars organized by INGV researchers. Among the notable events:
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Space makes us less vulnerable
“: an in-depth look at the role of space technologies in protecting our planet.
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Radar eyes on Earth
“: a discussion of the importance of satellite observations in predicting geophysical phenomena.
INGV has always had a strong commitment to scientific dissemination and education, and this year will be no exception. Visitors will not only be able to interact with new technologies, but also participate in educational games and interactive quizzes about space, exploring the wonders of the universe in a fun and engaging way.
All information materials will be available both at the stand at the Fiera di Roma and on the INGV and COS-INGV online portals, to allow everyone to access scientific information and updates regarding the Institute’s activities.