In Brief: U of A advancing space security; UA 4 Food returns
Video: How the U of A tracks tens of thousands of objects in orbit
A new video highlights the role the University of Arizona plays in tracking space debris to strengthen national security. Vishnu Reddy, professor of planetary sciences and director of the university's Space4 Center, explains how students and researchers use telescopes and artificial intelligence to track tens of thousands of human-made objects that race around Earth.
"Imagine everyone abandoned their brand new cars by the side of the road once they ran out of gas, and then took up a brand new car. That's what we've been doing in space for the last 70 years," Reddy said in the video.
He said work at the university helps prevent a chain reaction that could damage satellites that power everything from banking to global communications. The effort reflects the university's strategic research initiative of Space Science, Technology and National Security.
You can view the video below.
UA 4 Food returns March 2
Members of the campus community can help fight hunger and food insecurity by taking part in UA 4 Food, which begins March 2. Donations support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and the university's Campus Pantry.
UA 4 Food donations support the Campus Pantry and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Faculty, staff and students can leave nonperishable food items and hygiene products in one of the nearly 100 donation boxes throughout campus. Those attending the Tucson Festival of Books at the university on March 14 and 15 can bring donations to UA Cares volunteers, who will be stationed on the northwest side of the Cherry Avenue Garage.
The campaign will end on March 30 with the popular Stuff the Cat Tran event, where volunteers will load donations onto a 40-foot Cat Tran shuttle parked on the University of Arizona Mall in front of Old Main. Members of the campus community can drop off donations and take a photo with the bus.
Last year's campaign brought in approximately 2,000 pounds of food. UA 4 Food is part of UA Cares, a series of university initiatives designed to promote community service.