Celebrate World Space Week

The world's largest public space event

Published: June 13, 2012 at 11:00 am

Get involved with this year's World Space Week between 4-10 October 2012

Join the largest annual public space event on Earth - World Space Week. Held each year from October 4-10, it offers a perfect opportunity to use space to inspire an interest in science and technology.

If you're a teacher, run an astronomy society or are looking to explore your own interest in space, find out more at the event's website.

What is World Space Week?

World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology.

The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10.

These dates commemorate two events:

• 4 October, 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1

• 10 October, 1967: The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies.

In 2011, about 300,000 people across the globe participated in one of 662 events in 52 nations.

What are the goals of World Space Week?

• Educate people around the world about the benefits that they receive from space

• Encourage greater use of space for sustainable economic development

• Demonstrate public support for space programs

• Excite young people about science

• Foster international cooperation in space outreach and education

Space for Human Safety and Security

Each year, the World Space Week Association, in coordination with the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, selects a theme that participants are asked to incorporate into their World Space Week events.

The theme for 2012, "Space for Human Safety and Security", has been chosen to celebrate the many ways in which mankind's activities in space improve our daily lives.

Earth observation, navigation and telecommunication satellites are used everyday to protect humans and safeguard our environment.

Here is a summary of some of their many important roles:

● Supporting humanitarian aid efforts, such as planning the delivery of food and medicines to

remote areas

● Monitoring urban sprawl

● Contributing to the safety of maritime routing

● Aiding search and rescue operations

● Measuring air quality and pollution levels

● Monitoring deforestation and desertification

● Tracking forest fires, floods and the damage caused by other natural disasters

How is World Space Week celebrated?

World Space Week is open to everyone around the world.

Government agencies, industry, nonprofit organisations, teachers and individuals can organise events to celebrate World Space Week.

In particular, World Space Week offers a perfect opportunity to use space to inspire children to develop an interest in science and technology.

For more information about events taking place in your local area or, if you'd like to organise an event yourself, please visit the website,

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