Ireland’s Fascination with Space is set to be out of this world during Space Week 2024

Ireland is set to become the epicentre of astronomical wonder and scientific innovation once again as Space Week Ireland returns from 4th-10th October 2024. This year’s festival is set to be even more out of this world, with Astronaut Steve Swanson joining the celebrations on a nationwide road trip, bringing the cosmos to communities across the country.

Space Week Ireland is part of the global annual celebration of space, designed to promote space science, technology, and exploration. Coordinated by MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, the festival aims to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts, foster collaboration within the aerospace community, and showcase Ireland’s growing footprint in the global space industry.

Space Week Ireland 2024 promises an exhilarating blend of education, exploration, and entertainment with events throughout the country for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer, a curious student, or simply someone who marvels at the night sky, this year’s program has something extraordinary in store.

Ireland ranks second per capita for hosting Space Week events globally, with Irish space enthusiasts showing unparalleled interest. Rob O’Sullivan, National Outreach Coordinator for Space Week Ireland, explained, “There’s something in Irish culture that draws us to the stars. With a rich history of contributing to space science—including having the world’s largest telescope for 70 years—it’s no surprise we embrace Space Week so enthusiastically.”

“Today, Irish scientists continue to contribute to cutting-edge research at organisations such as the European Space Agency and European Southern Observatory, while Irish companies such as Réaltra Space Systems Engineering and Enbio are taking advantage of the incredible opportunities presented by the growing global space industry.

The Space Week Ireland 2024 Roadtrip

Astronaut Steve Swanson will join the MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory team on a road trip, as they explore the wonders of the cosmos and the Emerald Isle. The road trip kicks off at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory on October 4th and continues to Cork, Galway, Offaly, and Dublin. You can follow the journey virtually on the Blackrock Castle Observatory YouTube channel—subscribe in advance to receive live stream notifications from each location.

Stop 1: MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory (Cork)

The road trip begins with a bang at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory.

Stop 2: Cork School of Music

This family-friendly event features an interview and Q&A with Astronaut Steve Swanson, followed by interactive space and science booths. (Register for this free event.)

Stop 3: Galway Atlantaquaria

The team will explore how ocean life on Earth can inform our understanding of life beyond, particularly as NASA’s Europa Clipper mission prepares to investigate the potential for life to exist on Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa.

Stop 4: Birr Castle, County Offaly

Home to the historic “Leviathan” telescope, once the largest in the world, this stop delves into Ireland’s rich history in astronomy with Space Week ambassador Seanie Morris.

Stop 5: Explorium, Dublin

The road trip concludes at Explorium, where Swanson and the team will join Dr. Niamh Shaw to explore the intersection of space and climate change in the “Cool It” exhibition.

For more on the Space Week Road Trip, see www.spaceweek.ie/events/the-space-week-road-trip/

The #NovaHunter Photography Competition

MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory will host the #NovaHunter competition on Instagram as part of Space Week 2024. The winner will receive a family pass to Blackrock Castle Observatory and a prize pack filled with Space Week goodies. The goal of the contest is to encourage people to look to the skies and hopefully get to experience a once in a lifetime event, a visible Nova, the sudden appearance of a bright “new” star!

No fancy equipment is required—just your phone! To enter, capture an image of the Corona Borealis constellation between October 1st and 15th and upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #NovaHunt. Tag @blackrockcastleobservatory, and don’t forget to include your location and who you’re sharing the experience with.

Find more details on the competition and a helpful guide to locating the constellation at www.spaceweek.ie/events/competition-nova-hunt/.

Get involved

There’s still plenty of time to participate in Space Week! If you, your school, astronomy club, or community group would like to host your own event, you can easily register it on the Space Week Ireland website. Whether your event is large or small, public or private, Space Week Ireland will help promote it if you sign up early.

To find out more information or to submit your own Space Week Ireland event, visit the official Space Week Ireland website at www.spaceweek.ie.