TED Prize For Space Archaeologist

Space archaeologist Dr Sarah Parcak wins $1m for finding hidden sites.

17:06 18 February 2016

Space archaeologist Dr Sarah Parcak has been chosen as this year's TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) grand prize winner for finding hidden sites.

 

Dr Parcak collects and analyses imagery that were collected above the Earth using a satellite to identify subtle changes that may signal a hidden human-made structure.

 

Her satellite mapping of Egypt has already suggested the existence of 17 hitherto unknown pyramids, 1,000 tombs and 3,100 settlements.

 

She said: "I wish for us to discover the millions of unknown archaeological sites across the globe."

 

"By creating a 21st Century army of global explorers, we'll find and protect the world's hidden heritage, which contains humankind's collective resilience and creativity."

 

Individuals who are interested in her work can visit her website where satellite imagery and tutorials on how to spot potential sites were made available.

 

She explained: "If 50 people say that they have seen a tomb, then we will think that it is worth a look."

 

"Archaeology is currently at a tipping point," she told the TED audience on accepting her prize.

 

"Isis is blowing up and looting temples in Iraq and Syria. If we don't do something, these sites will be gone."