Climate change to the fore at this year’s Space Week
Space Week Ireland returns on 4-10 October 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’s festivale will embrace the global theme of ‘Space & 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.
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, said: “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, said: “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.
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 videos on astronomy, art, Space video games and more.
For a full list of events or to learn how to host your own, visit spaceweek.ie
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