A celebration of space in Portsmouth from Thursday 3rd to Saturday 12th October 2024
Join us this October as we celebrate World Space Week 2024 in Portsmouth and discover more about the wealth of space activity taking place in our region. From mission design school workshops to discussions about science-fiction becoming reality, keep an eye on this page to see the schedule of events available.
Heaven's above: Explore the night sky
Date: Thursday 3rd October
Time: 18:30 - 21:00
Entry: Free
Location: Portsmouth Central Library
Hampshire Astronomical Group will present a special evening suitable for all ages. Learn how to use a telescope and look through one to explore space, handle a meteorite and enjoy informative and accessible talks and films about astronomy.
This event is free, but booking is essential. To book your place call 023 9268 8057, email askalibrarian@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or pop into any Portsmouth Library.
Space for our Future - panel discussion
Date: Friday 4th October
Time: 18:30 - 19:30
Entry: Free
Location: Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3DE
Join space experts from the University of Portsmouth and our regional partners to discover how space impacts our everyday lives and what the space industry might look like in the future. From the way we launch satellites into space, to the effects of space weather here on Earth, our panel will share their insights into how the space industry is rapidly evolving, explain why we all need to care about space, and showcase the incredible work being done right here on our doorsteps.
2001: A Space Odyssey
Date: Friday 4th October
Time: Film begins at 19:00
Location: No. 6 cinema, Boathouse 6, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, PO1 3LJ
No. 6 cinema is supporting the University of Portsmouth's series of events for World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. They'll be showing 2001: A Space Odyssey, the 1968 epic science fiction film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Aspex Family workshops
Date: Saturday 5th & October 12th
Time: 11:00 - 13:00
Entry: Free
Location: Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays
Aspex are excited to partner with the University of Portsmouth to bring these World Space Week inspired workshops to families in the city. Imagine the colonies of the future and design your settlement to add to the Earth or a fantastical off-world planet settlement in deep space. Led by our Creative Engagement Team, these sessions are suitable for all ages, and designed to ignite the imagination and fuel the creativity of the whole family!
Stories from space
Date: Saturday 5th October
Time: 11:00 - 12:00
Entry: Free
Location: Carnegie Library, Fratton Rd, Portsmouth PO1 5EZ
Children can enjoy space themed hands-on activities and learn about 19th Century technology, discoveries and achievements plus navigation and the Royal Navy. Free and drop-in.
Stories from space
Date: Saturday 5th October
Time: 11:00 - 12:00
Entry: Free
Location: Portsmouth Central Library, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2DX
Children can enjoy space themed hands-on activities about space programmes, NASA and moon landings. Learn about Tim Peake, Brian Cox, Patrick Moore and Brian May, plus navigation and the Royal Navy. Free and drop-in.
Yoga in The Sky - Under the Stars | Yoga by Emily
Date: Sunday 6th October
Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Location: Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays
Entry: £30 + booking fee
Experience the south coast's most uplifting view. This unique Yoga class 100 metres above Portsmouth Harbour combines a fusion of Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork with incredible playlists and this event will be extra special as we Explore the Cosmos on the Mat: A Journey into Celestial Serenity.
The event is currently sold out, to go on the waiting list email info@yogabyemily.co.uk
Space and Creativity
Date: Tuesday 8th October
Time: 19:30 - 20:30
Entry: Free
Location: Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf Quays
From van Gogh to Giger, the night sky and space have inspired the highest levels of creativity and art. Join Professor David Bacon as he reflects on past highlights, and invites new collaborations between artists and scientists, to generate truly awe-inspiring new work.
Space in the Movies - science fact or fiction?
Date: Thursday 10th October
Time: 19:30 - 21:00
Entry: Free
Location: Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays
Have you ever wondered what concepts from science-fiction could one day become reality? Join scientists from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation as they discuss the crossover between science and science-fiction. From space stations to warp drives, and wormholes to artificial intelligence, discover what science-fiction is close to becoming science-fact.
School workshops
We’ll be running space mission design workshops for Key Stage 2 at The D-Day Story throughout World Space Week. Please contact Jeremy Thomas on jeremy.thomas@port.ac.uk for further information and details on how to book.