IAU CPS briefs delegations as United Nations meeting kicks off

IAU CPS Director Piero Benvenuti delivered the briefing, explaining the IAU Centre’s work and achievements so far, as the topic of the protection of Dark and Quiet Skies continues to be discussed by the UN body. The video is available online for delegations who couldn’t attend, and provides a good overview of the status and scope of the CPS. 

The 66th session of UN COPUOS takes place on 31 May – 9 June 2023 in Vienna, and is organised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). Over 100 delegations are attending from across the world, with several working groups addressing key issues relating to the use of space, such as the long term sustainability of outer space activities, and in which discussions about the growing number of satellites and their impact are taking place.

Several side events will take place during the meeting to further highlight the relevance of the preservation of Dark and Quiet Skies to delegates. These include a photo exhibition on space debris and satellite trails by renowned photographer Max Alexander, which opens on 1 June at UNOOSA where the COPUOS meeting takes place. Both NOIRLab and the SKAO are sponsoring the exhibition. On 7 June the Spanish delegation to COPUOS is organising a session on the benefits of astronomy for society, with presentations from the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and the SKAO. 

You can find the COPUOS programme and follow plenary sessions live by webcast here.

Contacts

Mathieu Isidro
IAU CPS Communications and Outreach Lead
T: +44 7824 016 126
Email: mathieu.isidro@skao.int