Welcome to the November 2024 edition of The Beyonder's Newsletter!
November was thrilling at the LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation® with physical outreach across India and new members joining the team. We learned many new things and networked a lot. Below are some exciting updates from our team members and many upcoming opportunities for you in the Space sector.
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Grab your Opportunity in Space!
Featured Opportunity 🥳🥳🥳
Do you want to capture the cosmos on your canvas?
We are launching our Space Education Workshops! A part of our Astronaut McAuliffe Space Ed-Tech Initiative. The 1st in the series is on the fascinating field of Space Art.
A collaboration between, LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation🤝Canvas To Cosmos Studio. Our Expert Mentor: Nurul Syahirah Binti Nazarudin, Malaysia.
Space Art Workshop Flyer
A 3-day, certified virtual training workshop uncovering:
• Essentials of Space Art, mediums and techniques of artwork & Career opportunities
• Hands-on Sketching and demonstrating the process of creating a Space Art
• Make your Space Art on your chosen subject and Q&A
Date: 14th - 16th December, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM IST - 9:00 PM IST/ 22:00 - 23:30 Malaysia Time/ 14:00 - 15:30 GMT
Registration fee:
- INR 999 only (for Indian citizens)
- 12 USD only (for International learners from Lower/Lower Middle-Income Nations)
- 50 USD only (for International learners from High/Upper Middle-Income Nations)
PhD in Cosmology and High Energy Physics at Centre for Cosmology and Science Popularization (CCSP) SGT University. Benefit from a curriculum that integrates concepts from astrophysics, particle physics, and mathematics. You'll be well-equipped to tackle complex problems and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. Application Deadline: 14th December 2024. Know more here.
Erin & John Collins Arsenault Space Fellowships (Space Law)- Erin & John Collins Arsenault Doctoral Fellowship: $9,500CAD for the DCL program (1 to be awarded). Erin & John Collins Arsenault LLM Fellowship: Full LLM (Thesis) tuition covered (2 to be awarded). Learn more here(Deadlines- Dec 1 or Dec 20, depending on the fellowship)
NASA L'SPACE Program- The NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience (NPWEE) is a free 15-week academy that will provide you with a set of skills that is coveted within the NASA infrastructure and the space industry. Learn more here.
Funded PhD in Space Law at Northumbria University. This project will focus on extraterrestrial life and its place in the international legal order. Learn more.
The European Space Agency is offering several Master's (M1&M2) Internships in Microbiology and Space Life Sciences (including Omics). Learn more here.
Ashoka University- SALab is looking for a self-funded PhD student- protocells, LLPS, single-molecule dynamics, FCS or Life's Origins. Learn more
Various internships at AstroForge - Electrical Engineering, Flight Dynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Flight Software Engineering, etc. Learn more
The Space4Youth Competition 2025 organized by SGAC and UNOOSA. This year's theme is “Empowering Youth for the Future of Space: Inclusive Opportunities, Skills Development, and Accessible Pathways.” Deadline: 8 December 2024. Learn more.
Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com if you or your organization wishes to share an opportunity!
Space is Open for Business!
Job/ Business Opportunities:
Become a Patron and receive JOB as well as BUSINESS opportunities in your email inbox! Please fill out this subscription form and choose the Patron option. Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com to know more.
Please let us know at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com if you or your organization wishes to share an opportunity!
Experience Space from the comfort of Earth!
Astronomical events for December 2024-
December 1: New Moon- The New Moon will occur on December 1, at 06:21 GMT (1:21 a.m. EST). At this point, our natural satellite will stay between the Earth and the Sun, so its bright side will be facing away from the Earth. It’s the best time for stargazing because the Moon’s light won’t hinder the view.
December 4: Moon near Venus- On December 4, the 10%-illuminated Moon will be close to Venus (mag -4.2). Both objects will be in the constellation Sagittarius. Observe them with the naked eye or through a pair of binoculars.
December 7: Jupiter at opposition- On December 7, at 20:58 GMT (3:58 p.m. EST), Jupiter will reach opposition and shine at its brightest with a magnitude of -2.8. The planet will be in the constellation Taurus. Jupiter will become the brightest starlike object after “the morning star” Venus and will be clearly visible to the naked eye, though binoculars or a telescope will provide a more detailed view of the planet and its four largest moons.
December 8: Moon near Saturn; lunar occultation of Saturn- On December 8, the 48.4%-illuminated Moon will be close to Saturn (mag 1.0). Both objects will be in the constellation Aquarius. Observe them with the naked eye or through a pair of binoculars. Observers from eastern Indonesia, Japan, eastern Philippines, and north-western Papua New Guinea will also see the lunar occultation of Saturn.
December 14: Geminid meteor shower peak- The Geminid meteor shower will run from December 4 to 20 and peak around December 14. Its radiant point is located in the constellation Gemini. Under ideal conditions, you could see up to 150 meteors an hour. Unfortunately, this year, the shower reaches maximum activity a day before the Full Moon, so the moonlight will likely outshine most meteors.
December 14: Moon near Jupiter- On December 14, the 98%-illuminated Moon will be close to Jupiter (mag -2.8). Both objects will be in the constellation Taurus. Observe them with the naked eye.
December 15: Full Moon- The Full Cold Moon will occur on December 15, at 09:02 GMT (4:02 a.m. EST). Our natural satellite will be in the constellation Taurus. Technically, the Full Moon lasts only for a moment when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, but the lunar disk will appear full for one day before and after it.
December 18: Moon near Mars; lunar occultation of Mars- On December 18, the 92.3%-illuminated Moon will be close to Mars (mag -0.9). Both objects will be in the constellation Cancer. Observe them with the naked eye or through a pair of binoculars. Observers from Canada, Greenland, eastern Russia, and Alaska will also see the lunar occultation of Mars.
December 21: December solstice- The December solstice marks the first day of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2024, it will happen on December 21, at 09:20 GMT (4:20 a.m. EST). It will be the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere; the Southern Hemisphere, on the contrary, will experience the greatest amount of sunlight and the longest day of the year. We prepared a fun and educational quiz about equinoxes and solstices for you. Check if you can tell the difference between these two astronomical events!
December 22: Ursid meteor shower peak- The Ursid meteor shower will run from December 17 to 26 and peak around December 22. Look for its radiant point in the constellation Ursa Minor. Under ideal conditions, you could see up to 10 meteors an hour. This year, the meteor shower peaks around the Last Quarter Moon. Observe the meteor shower after sunset until moonrise. The Ursids will be best seen from the Northern Hemisphere.
December 25: Mercury at greatest western elongation- On December 25, at 01:59 GMT, Mercury (mag -0.4) will appear at its farthest apparent distance west from the Sun: the celestial bodies will be separated by 22°. The event is called the greatest elongation. It’s the best time to observe Mercury, so don’t miss the chance!
December 30: New Moon- The New Moon will occur on December 30, at 22:27 GMT (5:27 p.m. EST). At this point, our natural satellite will stay between the Earth and the Sun, so its bright side will be facing away from the Earth. It’s the best time for stargazing because the Moon’s light won’t hinder the view.
Potential Space Launches in Dec 2024:
Dec 2- Satellite Launch by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation- Possibly CZ-6A launch with a batch of G60 Low Earth Orbit communication constellation satellites, details TBD.
Dec 4- Proba-3 PSLV-XL by Indian Space Research Organization- Proba-3 (Project for On-Board Autonomy 3) is the first close formation flying mission for the European Space Agency (ESA). It consists of two independent, three-axis stabilised spacecraft flying 150 meters from one another with the ability to accurately control the attitude and separation of the two craft.
Become a Patron and receive personalized notifications via email about space and astronomical events with relevant resources 24 hours before the actual event! Please fill out this subscription form and choose the Patron option. Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com to know more.
Socialise in Space Events
December 2024 social events-
Australian Space Research Conference (2 -4 Dec) at Sydney, Australia- This conference is organised by the National Space Society of Australia, Mars Society Australia, and members of the Australian space research community with a heritage of organising 16 successful ASRC meetings to date. The organising committee extends a warm invitation to space scientists, engineers, educators, and industry, government, and NGO personnel. Register here.
Space Resilience Summit (4 - 5 Dec) at National Harbor, Maryland, USA- The 11th Space Resiliency Summit will bring together senior leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the policies and operations necessary to ensure the safety and resiliency of US-space based assets and missions in an increasingly contested space domain. The 2024 Summit will highlight innovative technologies, strategies, and policies needed to assure continued space superiority for the U.S. Register here.
Spacepower 2024 (10 - 12 Dec) at Orlando, Florida, USA- This isn’t just a conference. It’s an incubator and accelerator of today’s top organizations building tomorrow’s most important space power innovations. Learn about the upcoming missions, the rising challenges we’re facing, and the opportunities for ensuring a safer and more secure domain for our nation and beyond. Register here.
New Space Economy (16 – 18 Dec) at Fiera di Roma, Italy- With the 6th edition scheduled on 16-18 December 2024 in Fiera Roma, the event offers three days of work, to discuss and cultivate new connections, exploring new collaborations within the space sector and beyond. Register here.
International Astronautical Congress 2025, Call for papers is Open- Showcase your work at the International Astronautical Congress 2025. Learn more here.
Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com if you or your organization wishes to organize Space outreach/social events or if you'd like to share event details!
A Star was Born!
Did you know that a chemist can also be a space explorer?
Catherine Grace "Cady" Coleman is living proof!
Born on December 14, 1960, in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S., this former Air Force Colonel and NASA astronaut has spent over 159 days in space, participating in two Space Shuttle missions and even living on the International Space Station.
Coleman's journey to the stars is truly inspiring. With a background in chemistry and engineering, she brought a unique perspective to her space missions. She conducted various scientific experiments in orbit, contributing to our understanding of the universe. Beyond her scientific achievements, Coleman is also known for her artistic talents. She's played the flute on the International Space Station, showcasing the intersection of art and science. Her story reminds us that the sky's not the limit – it's just the beginning!
Born on 12 December 1941, Nambi Narayanan is an Indian aerospace scientist who played a crucial role in India's space program. He was once falsely accused of espionage, a devastating ordeal that tarnished his reputation and career.
After years of legal battles, the Supreme Court of India eventually exonerated him, recognizing the grave injustice he had suffered. The film "Rocketry: The Nambi Effect" brought his story to the world, highlighting his resilience and the importance of truth and justice.
Narayanan's story is a testament to the human spirit. Despite facing immense adversity, he persevered and continued to contribute to India's scientific advancements. His journey serves as an inspiration to us all.
Our Founder and Executive Director
Sibsankar Palit
, was on a 10-day outreach tour in Northern and Western India. As a part of a collaboration between our organisation and Pratham Education Foundation, Palit served as a Resource person for 3 Space and STEM outreach workshops on Weather and Climate Change in the rural and tribal parts of Varanasi and Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and Bandikui in Rajasthan in India.
Space & STEM Physical Outreach tour by Sibsankar Palit
We are stoked to welcome our 2 New Team Members-
Dr. Yohana Laiser, MD
from Tanzania and Alo Tasch from the USA.
New Teammates
We congratulate our collaborator and friend, Rihab Ben Moussa and teammates, Thiago S. Dias, Subhajit Hazra, and Sibsankar Palit for presenting their Space Law work at the Space Star Conference 2024, in Tunisia, Africa. We received valuable feedback from African Space Stakeholders on our ongoing research work on Space Law and the Global South.
Our Space Law Work presented at Space Star 2024, Tunisia, Africa
We are OPEN to more collaborations. Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.comif you or your organization wishes to organize Space outreach events!
That’s all for this month, Beyonders!
Please stay tuned for the next month as we feature more helpful and exciting information and things to do!
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Special thanks to Darshan Deshpande (Finance Officer and Newsletter Coordinator) and Sibsankar Palit (Founder, Executive Director, and Newsletter Editor) for their hard work in making this amazing content available. We also thank all the other Team members for reviewing the work and for sharing their valuable input and feedback.
Actor • Content Creator • SpaceKind4 • Writer • Researcher • SME ( Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Accounting & more)
1moLove this edition! Great updates, information and feature (Astronaut Cady Coleman, PhD always inspires me)! Keep up the good work with outreach!