Space Week Ireland 2024 has successfully concluded, marking another year of out of this world events. The week celebrated Ireland’s fascination with Space science and showcased how interest in technology, engineering, and mathematics can open doors to a career in space education.
Students, educators, and space enthusiasts gathered both virtually and in person to explore and celebrate the wonders of space, with 392 events recorded so far.
Taking place from 4th – 10th October, Space Week hit the road, with the team from MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory teaming up with former NASA astronaut Steve Swanson. They embarked on a nationwide road trip with stops in Cork, Galway, Dublin, Offaly and Kildare. Each location offered a different perspective on Ireland’s connection to Space.
Highlights include a visit to the historic Leviathan telescope in Birr, family-friendly science fun at Cork School of Music, discussions about the possibility of alien life on Jupiter’s moons at Atlantaquaria Galway, exploring how Space research can inform our approach to climate challenges here on Earth at Explorium in Dublin, and exploring New Worlds to the Infinite Universe at Maynooth University.
Space Week Ireland offered a diverse array of activities aimed at fostering a passion for space exploration and STEM fields. Schools, clubs, and science centres across Ireland hosted a variety of engagement events, including workshops, guest lectures, interactive exhibits, stargazing events, and hands-on projects, making this Space Week the most extensive and inclusive to date.
Rob O’Sullivan, the National Outreach Coordinator for Space Week Ireland, expressed his delight at the public’s receptiveness to all things Space during the week:
“We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and high levels of engagement from participants across Ireland, particularly the younger generation who will carry forward Ireland’s place in global space exploration. This year’s theme, Space and Climate, was hugely relatable and thought-provoking, sparking curiosity and inspiring future scientists, engineers, and innovators.”
Commenting on the culmination of the Space Week road trip, he continued, “The Road Trip was about celebrating those organisers who make Space Week such a success every year. We brought Astronaut Steve Swanson to each of these venues to thank them in person for all the work they do to make Space Week Ireland one of the most successful in the world. We didn’t make it to everyone, but we’re already looking forward to visiting more Space Week champions on next year’s road trip”.
Astronaut Steve Swanson said of his time in Ireland, “The trip was fantastic. It was so great to learn about Ireland’s Space heritage and all the ways the country is involved in space research and industry.”
Other events taking place over the week included:
— The Space Week Ireland Road Trip was available to be followed virtually on the Blackrock Castle Observatory YouTube channel with subscribers receiving live stream notifications from each location.
— Space Week TV offered a selection of informative and interesting videos about Space Science topics, including new videos, The Night Sky, Space Art, and more. This was available via YouTube and www.spaceweek.ie/tv/.
— The Night Sky For Space Week- under expert guidance from Rob from MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, members of the public were guided on how to identify the summer triangle and some of the constellations hidden within it, encouraging nationwide stargazing.
— Space Week Astrophotography Competition 2024 – Sponsored by Ktec Telescopes
— Performance of Space inspired music by Cork Concert Orchestra at Cork City Hall, including The Planets by Holst and music by composer John Williams, including the Imperial March from Star Wars, The Flying Theme from ET and Closer Encounters of the Third Kind.
— The #NovaHunt Photo Competition: Families nationwide were encouraged to look the stars and keep a watchful eye for the through the #NovaHunt contest.
— Space-Themed Storytime Events in Libraries in Kerry and Offaly, including Killorglin, Tralee, CastleIsland, Ballybunion, Listowel and Edenderry.
— The NASA SpaceApps Challenge was hosted in Dublin and Athlone in the form of a hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, technologists, and innovators around the world to come together and use open data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners to create solutions to challenges we face on Earth and in space.
The Space Week Ireland coordinators thank all sponsors, volunteers, educators, and space enthusiasts for their support in making Space Week 2024 an unforgettable success. As Space Week Ireland 2024 wraps up, preparations are already underway for next year’s event, which will take place from 4-10 October 2025.