Space Archaeologist awarded $1M by TED Prize

TED awarded its $1 million prize to an archaeologist who identifies buried ancient civilizations. National Geographic Archeology Fellow and University of Alabama associate professor, also nicknamed “space archaeologist,” Sarah Parcak, has been granted the 2016 TED prize to further improve her mission of identifying sub-surface civilizations using satellites originally used by the military.

She is collaborating with NASA’s and the Department of Defense’s infrared satellite technology to spot where ancient archaeological sites are located

“The debris retains water at a higher rate than the surrounding landscape,” she said, according to University of Alabama News. “Satellite images can detect the higher moisture, and that is a strong indicator for a potential site.”

“(I) feel overwhelmed, honored, and excited – and definitely (feel) the weight of responsibility for my field. TED is an incredible organization and this is a phenomenal opportunity to raise awareness about what is happening to our ancient shared heritage,” Parcak said upon receiving news of her prize, according to CNN.

Full story: www.albanydailystar.com/science/space-archaeologist-awarded-1m-by-ted-prize-san-francisco-tech-day-9516.html