Top 10 Space Events to Visit Across the UK in May 2024 (For Kids & Adults)

Step into a realm where the boundaries of our world dissolve, and the cosmos beckon with celestial wonders! May 2024 unfolds its cosmic tapestry across the United Kingdom, offering a stellar array of space events that will mesmerise both young stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike.

From captivating planetarium shows to thrilling space camps, embark on a journey through our top 10 picks of space events awaiting you this May. Whether you’re a curious kid with dreams of touching the stars or an adult seeking the thrill of cosmic discovery, there’s an event tailor-made for you!

Space Park Conversations: Science with the James Webb Space Telescope

When? 1 May

Where? Space Park Leicester, 92 Corporation Road Leicester LE4 5SP United Kingdom

An exciting event exploring the wonders of space with the revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope. You’ll dive into the latest discoveries with Dr Mark Clampin, Astrophysics Division Director at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. Mark’s talk provides a great opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking discoveries which are providing a giant leap forward in our quest to understand the universe and its origins.

Planet Hunting in the Cosmos

When? 1 May

Where? The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street London W1S 4BS United Kingdom

The cosmic mystery of extraterrestrial life has captivated humanity for centuries. Now, with leading-edge technology, the quest for tangible answers begins. Lisa Kaltenegger, founding director of Cornell University’s Carl Sagan Institute, has assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts to craft a specialised toolkit for extraterrestrial exploration.

Lisa will take you on an enthralling journey across the Universe, utilising her theory that Earth can be used as a Rosetta Stone to decode the potential for life on distant planets. In this talk, you’ll discover some of the most extraordinary exoplanets, from those veiled in oceans of lava to solitary nomads adrift in space to others basking under the light of multiple suns.

Yuri’s Night: London 2024

When? 10 May

Where? Dockside Vaults, Dockside Vaults London E1W 1AT United Kingdom

The inaugural celebration of the Global Space Party in the heart of London! Immerse yourself in an unforgettable fusion of space-themed festivities and educational outreach. Experience the wonder of human space exploration while enjoying music, art, science, and culture. Let’s unite under the stars and celebrate our shared journey into the cosmos.

Space: Securing Our Entrepreneurial Future

When? 16 May

Where? Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) Conference, Meetings & Events – University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street Glasgow G1 1RD United Kingdom

Explore the boundless opportunities in the world of space entrepreneurship. This exciting event will delve into the intersection of space technology innovations, cyber security, thought leadership and entrepreneurship. Bringing together speakers from the world of academia, industry, and security to explore the emerging challenges in the commercial space sector.

The key focus of this conference is the increasing need to prioritise secure by design cyber security and resilience planning from the outset, in a rapidly growing space industry. This is particularly important as there is a global skills gap in both the space and cyber domains. By addressing these challenges and fostering collaboration, the conference aims to pave the way to work together to create a secure and thriving entrepreneurial space sector.

Astronomy Through the Herschels: Caroline the Comet Hunter

When? 18 May

Where? Slough Museum, 72 Buckingham Avenue Slough SL1 4PN United Kingdom

Caroline was the first paid and celebrated female astronomer who earned the prestigious Gold Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society. You will meet Caroline who will tell you her story of what it was like being a female scientist and making discoveries. Plus, you will make a comet, draw your own, and learn what to look for when comets visit Earth. This workshop is part of four workshops for the Eyeing Your Universe – valuing inclusion project. These workshops are for families with children from Years 4 – 9 (Ages 7-14) living in the Slough area. 

Space Medicine – a UK Perspective

When? 22 May

Where? UCLan Greenbank Lecture Theatre, Victoria Street Preston PR1 2HE United Kingdom

Get an insight into the role of space doctors, learn about the impact of space exploration on the human body and explore the impact on human physiology at the Final Frontier.

This insight will allow health professionals practising on earth to see what is possible. Extreme medics, remote and rural practitioners and non-medical staff alike can learn how to give advice and what can be done under instruction, even with a 9-minute comms delay. Whether you’re an aspiring astronaut, medic, or just a curious earthling, this talk has something for everyone.

Astronomy Through the Herschels: John the Polymath Influencer

When? 25 May

Where? Slough Museum, 72 Buckingham Avenue Slough SL1 4PN United Kingdom

John was a bit of an influencer himself, and if he was around today, it’s pretty sure he would have at least one million followers. You get to meet John Herschel, who will share his many scientific pursuits, and you’ll try out one of his inventions, cyanotypes. You’ll learn about ultraviolet light, our Sun and do a bit of chemistry. It’s related to astronomy and life on this planet, you and me, and the birth of the Royal Astronomical Society!

Space Camp for Kids 7-12 Featuring a NASA Astronaut

When? 28 May

Where? King’s College London Guy’s Campus, Great Maze Pond London SE1 1UL United Kingdom

Ready for an out-of-this-world experience? Welcome to Space Camp, where the cosmos becomes your playground! Your kids will embark on an action-packed week filled with space-inspired activities that blend learning and fun! They work alongside real astronauts to build their own model rocket, discover all the secrets of living onboard the International Space Station from a real astronaut, explore all the mind-blowing details about NASA’s latest rocket that’s taking astronauts to the Moon & Mars, design and build a futuristic Martian colony.

First Light: Revealing the Early Universe

When? 29 May

Where? Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square London WC1R 4RL United Kingdom

This lecture looks at how insight is derived from observations, considering the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The oldest light in the Universe emitted just 400,000 years after the Big Bang, contains the seeds of the structures we see around us and tells us about conditions at the Universe’s beginning. It will also consider how measurements of the Universe’s expansion, made using the CMB, are leading to unexpected results, creating tension in modern cosmology.

Planetarium Shows

When? 30 May

Where? Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road Preston PR1 1HT United Kingdom

Step into the wonders of the universe with the Mobile Planetarium. Dive into the depths of space and explore the mysteries of the night sky. 

Are you ready for such a cosmic month? Book your spot now to experience out-of-this-world emotions, boost your space knowledge, and get inspired!