Stargazers, assemble!
It’s time to get extraplanetary again as a call goes out to all science enthusiasts in Cork to get involved in this year’s Space Week before it blasts off.
Running from 4-10 October, Space Week organisers at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, in partnership with Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and ESERO Ireland, are calling on space enthusiasts, community groups, businesses and institutions in Cork to organise their own out of this world events.
The festival, which aims to ignite a passion for space science and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, coincides with World Space Week and is the nation's premier celebration of space exploration and science.
Over the week, the public can explore a space-themed festival of events and a captivating series of workshops, lectures, and exhibitions across the country.
Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at SFI, said: “Space Week Ireland brings the public together with the space community through events which encourage creative and critical thinking and reveal the vastness of the universe around us.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to inspire people about the wonders of space and to celebrate those who work in the space industry.
“Ireland is well positioned to become a leader in this sector thanks to our well-equipped STEM workforce and curious young people.
“Through this focused celebration of Space Week, everyone has an opportunity to engage with the latest research and develop a greater understanding of our planet and universe.”
Absolutely anyone in Ireland can take part in the festival by organising an event whether you’re a tiny club or community group, a classroom, a large organisation or institution, or a family interested in the wonders of the universe.
Those interested are invited to register an event that falls within the theme Our Planet, Our Space, Our Time, which emphasises the shared spirit of adventure, curiosity, and innovation that underlies humankind's ongoing exploration of the cosmos.
All those that register will also get a digital space week kit. Events can be large or small, public, or private, free to enter or with an entrance charge, so the sky's the limit with your imagination.
All event submissions are automatically entered into a draw for a chance to win prizes and the Space Week team will help publicise your event if you register before 15 August.
Rob O’Sullivan, National Outreach Coordinator for Space Week, said: “Space Week is one of the busiest on the world stage so it’s obvious that Irish people have an appetite for all things space.
“You can get loads of inspiration by accessing the downloadable resources on the spaceweek.ie website which has activities for every kind of group to help you plan and engage with Space Week.”
Commenting on the importance of Space Week, Dr Niamh Shaw, one of Ireland’s leading STEAM communications experts, said: “Space exploration is a fascinating and important field. We all stand under the same sky looking up in wonder, so it is fitting that during Space Week everyone is invited to join in discovering the wonders of the universe.”
To help you get started, organisers have provided a few examples of ideas for events: hands-on workshops and demonstrations showcasing the principles of space exploration and technology; interactive exhibitions featuring models, telescopes, and artifacts related to space missions and discoveries; astronomy-themed competitions, quizzes, and games; film screenings of space-themed movies or documentaries; stargazing events and guided observation sessions; virtual reality experiences; space-themed art exhibitions and performances.
To guarantee inclusion in the programme the deadline for event entries is 15 August.
To submit an event or find more information about the submission process, interested parties are invited to visit the official Space Week website at spaceweek.ie.