International Space Day, which falls on the first Friday of May each year, is dedicated to observing and enjoying the mystery and wonder of the great beyond! This weekend, celebrate International Space Day with one of these astronomically fun activities:
See the Stars
On Saturday, May 4th, 8 p.m., join the AACC Astronomy Club for a Stargazing Party at the college observatory. Participants can either use the observatory’s telescope or their own.
The Maryland Science Center holds a stargazing event every Friday from 7–10:30 p.m. at the Crosby Ramsey Memorial Observatory. Guests can get up close and personal with the constellations through the lens of the Science Center’s telescope. The event is free and open to the public.
If you prefer to stargaze on your own time, check out this list of popular observation sites throughout Maryland, complete with visibility forecasts.
May the Fourth Be with You:
Coincidentally (or maybe not), International Space Day and Star Wars Day fall on the same weekend. The Deale branch of Anne Arundel County Public Library will be hosting several Star Wars themed events this weekend. On Saturday, May 4th, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. enjoy Star Wars-themed activities, crafts, and more. On Saturday, the celebration continues with a screening of Solo: A Star Wars Story at 11 a.m. and Rogue One at 2 p.m. Popcorn will be provided.
Walk Through the Planets
Head to the B&A Trail on Saturday, May 4th for the annual Planet Walk. The walk takes place on a 4.7-mile segment of the trail which features two sculptures and right planet stations representing the sun and the planets of the solar system. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., planetary scientists and astronomers will be at each of the planet stations to provide information about the planet, answer questions, and offer activities.
Learn About Lunar Exploration
On Saturday, May 4th, 7:30 p.m., an Astronomy Café will be held at the AACC Student Union Hall. The event will feature a presentation on The Legacy and Future of Lunar Exploration by Staci L. Tiedeken, outreach coordinator for the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and Dr. Brett Denevi, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. After the presentations, both speakers will be available to answer questions about lunar exploration.
Immerse Yourself in Space History
Take a day trip to D.C. and explore the history of aviation, spaceflight, astronomy, and planetary science at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. In addition to its 22 exhibition galleries, the museum also features a planetarium and observatory. Admission to the National Air and Space Museum is free.
