Inaugural Lecture by Professor Randy Pollock

Join Professor Randy Pollock for his inaugural lecture on how spectroscopy helps scientists study Earth's climate and search for ancient life on Mars.

Lectures, talks and seminars; Inaugural lectures

Oct 14, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Add to calendar Register

Registration is essential

Council Chamber, Level 2
Hunter Building, Gate 2
Kelburn Parade

Description

Composite banner featuring an Earth-orbiting satellite, NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars, and the installation of Hēki on the International Space Station, highlighting research and innovation in space exploration. — 1. Artist's impression of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory in space.
2. Perseverance rover on Mars.
3. Installation of Hēki on the exterior of the International Space Station (Robinson's experiment, launched in 2025).

Rainbows in Space—Using Spectroscopy to Understand the Earth and Mars

In his inaugural lecture Professor Randy Pollock will examine how spectroscopy has been used throughout history to ask and answer questions about distant objects. He will share his experience building and testing spectrometers for NASA missions to better understand the Earth’s climate and to search for evidence of ancient life on Mars. Finally, he will share how this spaceflight experience guides the team he leads at Victoria University of Wellington’s Paihau—Robinson Research Institute, and how the team is building on these techniques in their current research projects.