[A shorter version of this article was originally written for Space Matters ] As a planet we take a lot of pictures. Like… A LOT a lot. Estimates are in and around the 1-trillion-per-year mark, the vast majority of which are taken by smartphones. Every day, millions of people are taking pictures with an ease that was unprecedented even 20 years ago. And one of the biggest reasons why this is so easy now is because space scientists invested in charge-coupled device (CCD) technology decades ago.

When visiting museums, I have often taken part in hands-on activities to get a better sense of the historical significance of an exhibition. However, it was not until my three-week summer placement at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum that I truly understood the complex logistics behind such activities. It takes a whole lot of planning, testing, and paperwork to get a public program going smoothly! I got a taste of these steps this past summer; I had the chance to help create an engaging