Space Week Ireland 2024 to Explore ‘Space and Climate’ Theme

Space Week Ireland is an annual event celebrating Ireland’s involvement in space exploration, innovation, and science. Coordinated by MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, it runs in tandem with World Space Week, which aims to inspire the public, especially young people, to look to the stars and consider the impact of space research on life on Earth.

This year, from 4th to 10th October, Space Week Ireland will embrace the global theme of ‘Space and Climate’, exploring the crucial intersection of space exploration and climate action.  A series of events will raise awareness about how space science and technology can play a vital role in combating climate change.

A flagship event, which puts this theme into focus, will take place at Explorium in Dublin on Wednesday, 9th October, from 11 am -1 pm, focusing on how space research can inform climate action. The event will feature insights from leading science communicator Dr Niamh Shaw, as well as a talk and Q&A session with former NASA astronaut Steve Swanson. Attendees will also experience Explorium’s climate change-themed ‘Cool It’ interactive exhibition, which showcases innovative solutions to climate issues and demonstrates how lessons from space exploration can be applied here on Earth.

The exhibition takes participants on a 40-minute journey that starts with an energy consumption questionnaire and an impactful climate video. Guests will then enter a model world where they face a challenge—a race to 2050—and score points based on their choices. At the end, scores are uploaded to a spaceship, revealing the changes needed to achieve a more sustainable future. Participants will even learn how their actions can help save trees and mitigate environmental impact.

Mark Langtry, Head of Sport and Science at Explorium, will open the event. Mark has studied Theoretical Physics and Climate Science so Space and Climate is very important to him and his work.

He says, “I’m thrilled that this year’s Space Week is centred on Space and Climate Change. Space exploration can teach us more about other worlds, but also provides a unique view of our own planet, using earth observation satellites to monitor climate change and track its impact. Our new exhibition ‘Cool It’ explores our changing climate and empowers us to make a positive change through fun interactive games and challenges. We hope during Space Week everyone can come and enjoy the experience.”

Rob O’Sullivan, National Outreach Coordinator for Space Week Ireland, commented: “In line with the broader World Space Week theme, Space Week Ireland aims to draw connections between space technologies, planetary observation, and environmental sustainability. From satellites monitoring Earth’s climate to the innovations pioneered on the International Space Station (ISS), space research offers a unique perspective on how we can tackle the challenges of climate change on a planetary scale.”

Throughout Space Week Ireland, the team will be joined by former NASA Astronaut Steve Swanson as they embark on a national roadshow, starting at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork and making stops in Galway, Offaly, Kildare, and Dublin. These events, including the flagship Dublin event on 9th October, will illustrate how space technologies, such as Earth Observation satellites, help us monitor climate change on a planetary scale. This data is critical for tracking the health of our atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems, enabling better-informed climate action policies.

Beyond this tour, Space Week Ireland will feature a variety of activities across the country, providing opportunities for all ages to engage with space science. For a full list of events or to learn how to host your own, visit spaceweek.ie.

The public can keep up to date with the Space Week Ireland Road Trip virtually on the Blackrock Castle Observatory YouTube channel and are advised to subscribe in advance to receive live stream notifications from each location. This is also the same YouTube channel where you will find all of the Space Week TV content, which includes really interesting videos about Space Science topics, including new videos for 2024 on The Night Sky, Space Art, Space-themed video games and more. For more, see www.spaceweek.ie/tv/.

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.