Countdown to World Space Week 2024: Must-Visit Events in the UK

October is getting closer and space enthusiasts across the whole world as well as the United Kingdom are eagerly anticipating World Space Week 2024. This annual celebration, held from 4-10 October, promises to be an exciting showcase of space science, technology, and their contributions to addressing global challenges.

What Is World Space Week?

It is the largest space event, celebrated in over 95 countries with thousands of events each year. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, it commemorates two significant milestones in space history:

• 4 October 1957: Launch of Sputnik 1, the first human-made Earth satellite
• 10 October 1967: Signing of the Outer Space Treaty (“Treaty on Principles Governing the Activites of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies”)

The event aims to educate people about the benefits of space exploration, encourage the use of space for sustainable development, and inspire young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

This year’s theme, “Space and Climate Change,” promises to illuminate the crucial role of space technology in understanding and combating global climate challenges.

The British Interplanetary Society (BIS) serves as the official UK National Co-ordinating Body for World Space Week.

Stellar Lineup: Upcoming Events in the UK

This year, the UK is set to host an exciting array of events for World Space Week 2024, including stargazing sessions, educational lectures, interactive workshops, art exhibitions, and much more. Let us guide you through all of them!

3 October: Belfast Launch

In the UK, the festivities kick off a day early with a special launch event in Belfast on 3 October, 2024. This collaborative gathering, titled “Space and Climate Change: UK science and technology pioneering initiatives with global impact,” will bring together national and regional leaders in space climate technology and innovation at Stormont.

Hosted by organizations like Space4Climate and the National Centre for Earth Observation, this gathering aims to showcase innovative solutions and foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders.

What to expect?

• Showcase of Innovations: Expect presentations on cutting-edge technologies that leverage space data to address climate challenges.
• Expert Panels: Attendees can look forward to discussions featuring experts from the UK’s Regional Space Clusters and representatives from the European Space Agency.
• Networking Opportunities: This event will provide a platform for attendees to connect with key players in the space sector.

4 October: Stargazing Evening

Where? Armagh Planetarium College Hill

Age Recommendations: Adults and children over 8

Spend a day of World Space Week at the Planetarium for a wonderful evening of Stargazing! There will be a team of experts to help you navigate the night sky using our telescopes, along with a dome show in the digital theatre, entry into the exhibition area and our Data Visualisation Laboratory. Entry also includes access to view our Climate Exhibition.

4 October: Start of World Space Week 2024 – Space & Climate Change

Where? London, 37th floor One Canada Square

Celebrate WSW2024, a Space & Climate Change theme. Come for the kickoff keynote sessions with esteemed speakers in the UK Space industry. After the weekend break, this is followed by 4 days of speaker panels, workshops, roundtables and other space engagement activities.

5 October: World Space Week 2024, Guildford High Street Takeover

Where? Tunsgate Quarter, 98-110 High Street, Guildford, Surrey

The University of Surrey and the Institute of Physics team up for a spectacular day of space-themed activities! Whether you’re a budding astronaut, an aspiring space engineer, or simply curious about the cosmos, there’s something for everyone.

Event Highlights:

• Pop-Up Planetarium: Thanks to The Observatory Science Centre, join an interactive astronomy experience in our pop-up planetarium. With state-of-the-art software and an array of presentations on offer, these live shows will run on the hour on a first come first served basis. 
• Mini Mars Rover: Get up close and personal with a working model of a mini Mars rover and see how these incredible machines explore the Red Planet.
• Interactive Demonstrations: Experts from Surrey Space Centre will showcase fascinating space technology and research.
• Astronomy Activities: The astrophysicists from the School of Mathematics & Physics will be on hand to answer your astronomy questions, guide you through constellation activities, and challenge you with an escape room-style experience.
• Local Space Industry Showcase: Meet local employers in the space sector, including Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). Discover models of spacecraft, propulsion tanks, circuit boards, and exterior panels used in real satellites.

Bring your family and friends for a day filled with discovery, inspiration, and fun. Don’t miss this chance to explore the final frontier right in the heart of Guildford!

6 October: Dome Club Planetarium

Where? Bristol, Hayes Way, Patchway, BS34 5BZ

Age recommendation: 5+ and 9+ years old

This World Space Week, join Aerospace Bristol for an unforgettable experience! Immerse yourself in the magic of the cosmos with Dome Club Planetarium, offering a thrilling family show and a captivating 360° film.

Event Highlights:

• Family Space Show with Q&A (40min): exciting family planetarium show, where you can ask all the questions you want! Take a guided tour of the night sky, journey to the International Space Station and see what life is like for astronauts. Get hands-on with a meteorite and look out for shooting stars.
• Night Sky & 360° Film (We Are Aliens): guided tour of outer-space, where you’ll learn how to spot Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, all visible in the sky. Then, dive into a 360° cinema experience to explore how scientists search for planets that could support life within our Solar System.

6 October: Paint Your Own Space Decoration

Where? Colchester, Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street

Age recommendation: 4+ years old

Get creative with the space themed air-dry clay decorations. You will be provided with a clay mould of your choice which can be painted any way you would like. All materials for the workshop will be provided. As we will be using acrylic paint, aprons will be provided. However, it’s recommended wearing old clothing as it could get a little messy!

9 October: World Space Week, Dynamic Earth

Where? Surrey, Woking, The Winston Churchill School, Hermitage Road, St Johns, Woking, GU21 8TL

For World Space Week 2024, Woking Planetarium brings you a very special Film Club! The presenter Chloe will take you through this year’s theme “Space and Climate Change” in a one off presentation including the 360° film Dynamic Earth, narrated by Liam Neeson.

Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth’s great life support system: the global climate. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. 

10 October: Space Week with InnovateHer

Where? Remote

A live event broadcast to secondary schools and sixth form colleges across the country hosted by InnovateHer with a guest host – Hannah Spangle, a NASA intern who will focus on the connection of space and climate change, she will also be inspiring students with an insight into what it is like working for NASA! 

The theme for 2024 is Space & Climate Change, aiming to unite experts and students, to discuss how we can utilise space technology for ecological sustainability and resilience against climate change. This virtual event is completely free and will last for 50 minutes.

Get Involved!

World Space Week is an excellent opportunity for everyone – whether you’re an avid stargazer or simply curious about our universe – to engage with fascinating topics related to space and its impact on Earth. It is open to everyone, everywhere. Here’s how you can participate:

• Plan an activity: Organize a space movie night, create space-themed art, arrange stargazing sessions, or host talks and presentations.
• Register your event: Visit www.worldspaceweek.org to add your event to the official calendar.
• Share your experience: Report back on your event’s success to contribute to the UK’s report to the UN.