What is #planetaryprotection? Besides sounding like a phrase from a sci-fi movie, it's a vital practise that ensures we don't accidentally contaminate extra-terrestrial environments. Yes, there are rules to help prevent microscopic organisms from Earth reaching other celestial bodies, as The Open University's senior lecturer in physical sciences, Vic Pearson, explains in this short video. Discover more in the new 'Planetary protection' course from The Open University (which Vic co-authored) on O