World Space Week 2020

World Space Week was declared by the UN General Assembly to celebrate each year the contributions of space science and technology to human development. One of the most remarkable milestones of the international space race was on October 4, 1957, when the first artificial satellite was launched from Earth, Sputnik. For this reason, the start date of World Space Week coincides with this anniversary. Another date that this commemoration recalls is October 10, 1967. That day was when a treaty on the principles that govern the activities of States in extraterrestrial exploration was entered into force. Some of the advances in science and technology related to space have led to NASA's first mission to Pluto, or the development of technology for spacecraft to enable people to inhabit planets like Mars.

The theme for this year's World Space Week is "Satellites improve life." Due to Covid-19 many of the scheduled face-to-face activities, such as conferences, workshops, talks, etc. have had to be cancelled. However, below we highlight a series of virtual proposals or activities to do from home.

• Virtual colloquium on the Milky Way and Gaia, organized by the Astronomical Association of Sant Cugat and Valldoreix (AASCV). It will take place next Thursday, October 8 at 8:00 p.m, and will be given by ICCUB researchers Mercè Romero and Eduard Masana. 

• Observation of satellites. The World Space Week organization proposes observing satellites from home. In this article, you will find tips on how to do so. At the International Space Station website, you will find more information on how to find the Station in the sky.

• A cycle of virtual activities, organized by the National Autonomous University of Mexico. It offers a series of virtual talks, conferences and workshops on satellites on October 8, 9 and 10. The activities can be followed virtually through the Facebook page @UniversumMuseum or through the link https://bit.ly/3kwbbhs.

• The lunar calendar 2020, created by the Irish Space Week Association and downloadable for those interested in preparing observations in advance.

• Round table "What do I want to be when I grow up?", Where job opportunities and career options will be discussed once the aerospace university studies are completed. It is organized by the Women in Aerospace association on Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m.

• Six competitions organized by the Society for Space Education, Research and Development (SSERD) and aimed at both students and the general public. The contests, which vary on themes of space and satellites, are; Satellite Design, Virtual Scavenger Hunt, Writing Contest, Trivia, Poster Drawing Contest, and Star Wars Debate. The winners of each contest will be eligible for a series of prizes.