We're off to space! Don't miss the 2025 Christmas Lectures, supported by CGI 🧑‍🚀

Join space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock on an epic voyage through space and time in search of evidence of extra-terrestrial life.

Find out more about the series: rigb.org/christmas-lectures

Phone cameras are so small and lightweight because of the camera technology designed by a team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the 1990s. 📷

They needed high-quality cameras small enough to fit on spacecraft, and many cameras today use this technology.

The scratch-resistant lenses on your glasses rely on a carbon coating originally designed for the visors on space helmets. 👓

Sunglasses use UV-Blocking technology originally designed to protect astronauts’ eyes from harmful wavelengths of solar radiation. 🕶️

Scientists studied the eyes of birds of prey and used this inspiration from nature to create the technology we use in sunglasses, safety masks and ski goggles today.

Infrared thermometers measure thermal energy emitted by the eardrum using technology developed by NASA and Diatek to measure the temperature of stars and planets. 🌡️

Cordless vacuums came into existence after NASA contracted Black & Decker to create a lightweight device to collect samples on the Moon. 🌙

Memory Foam, like in your mattress or pillows, was invented in 1966 when NASA commissioned Charles Yost to create something to keep pilots cushioned during spaceflight. 🛏️

Pretty essential when you’re being launched into space at 17,500 mph!

Wireless headphones were developed for astronauts in the 1960s so that they could be completely hands-free, and avoid getting tangled up in wires! 🎧

Get in touch with us via private message before 1 December for a chance to take part in the 2025 Christmas Lectures, supported by CGI.

We're particularly keen to hear from junior astronomers aged 11–17, though everyone is welcome to reach out. (2/2)