World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. 

Carterton Space Week

Daffodil Town by day, Space Town by night – Carterton Space Week 2024

Carterton Space Week is organised by Go-Carterton, Carterton’s Business Association

A Balanced Program for All Ages & Interests

This year’s programme continued Carterton Space Week’s tradition of combining creativity, education, and engagement. It offered:

    • Interactive Activities: From water rocket building and quizzes to planetarium experiences and astrophotography workshops.

    • Professional Development: Business expos and career fairs connected people with education and industry in aerospace.

    • Expert-Led Learning: Talks on celestial navigation and astrophotography offered depth and inspiration.

    • Community Inclusivity: Events were thoughtfully designed to engage families, seniors, students, and space enthusiasts alike.

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Commander David Hedgley
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Professor Philipa Gander
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Carterton Space Week 2024 – Expanding Horizons, Embracing Climate Solutions

In 2024, Go-Carterton, the business association of Carterton, decided to adopt World Space Week as a theme for one of our annual events. We renamed it Carterton Space Week, and since Carterton is already called the Daffodil Town, we thought Why not Daffodil Town by day and Space Town by night?”. Thanks to the generous support of Wellington.NZ and the Carterton District Council, we pulled out another week of space events.

From 5–11 October 2024, Carterton’s events for Space Week, aligned with the international World Space Week. This year’s theme—Space and Climate Change—framed our exploration of how space-based insights and technologies empower us to understand and respond to one of the greatest challenges of our time.   

Mr Carter, of Carterton, who made a bequest to Wellington City to construct an observatory (later known as Carter Observatory), would have approved of Carterton Space Week and perhaps would have even considered going to space.

A Week of Discovery, Learning, and Community Engagement

Saturday, October 5

  • Astrophotography Exhibition (10 am–1 pm, Courthouse, Holloway Street): Stunning images captured by local astrophotographers adorned the courthouse, showcasing the beauty of the night sky.
  • Astrophotography Guest Talks (2 pm–5 pm): Talented speakers shared their techniques and passions, demystifying how to capture the stars in all their glory.  

Sunday, October 6

  • Water Rocket Launches (10 am–12 pm, Carrington Park): Families and curious minds launched DIY rockets, blending hands-on fun with scientific learning.
  • Space‑Themed Family Quiz (12:30 pm–2 pm, Almo’s Books & Café): A lively, family-friendly quiz that tested—and expanded—participants’ knowledge of space.  

Monday, October 7

  • Mars Blueberry Planetarium (10 am–2 pm, Rangatahi Hub, Carterton Events Centre): A playful and immersive planetarium journey that inspired wonder, especially among younger audiences.
  • AeroSpace Business Connect Expo (5 pm–8 pm): This networking event connected entrepreneurs, educators, and industry experts to explore opportunities in aerospace and astro-tourism.
  • David Hedgley: Celestial Navigation (8 pm–9 pm): A fascinating session on the age-old art of finding your way by the stars.  

Tuesday, October 8

  • Mars Blueberry Planetarium continues (10 am–2 pm, Carterton Events Centre).
  • Seniors Lunchtime Quiz (12 pm–2:45 pm, Chapelli’s Pizzeria & Bar): A special mid-day event offering light-hearted, space-themed engagement for older community members.  

Wednesday, October 9

  • Mars Blueberry Planetarium (10 am–2 pm).
  • AeroSpace Education Expo (5 pm–7 pm, Carterton Events Centre): A showcase for space-related learning and career pathways, including tertiary providers and Wellington-based organisations.  

Thursday, October 10

  • Mars Blueberry Planetarium (10 am–2 pm).
  • Astrophotography Open Night (7 pm–10 pm, Star Safari, Ponatahi Road): A mesmerizing evening under pristine dark skies, with opportunities to photograph cosmic wonders.  

Friday, October 11

  • Mars Blueberry Planetarium once more (10 am–2 pm).
  • Rotary Quiz (6 pm–10 pm, Carterton Events Centre): The week closed with a fun, space-themed quiz night supporting community causes.  

Carterton Space Week is organised by

Go Carterton

With support from our Amazing Sponsors

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Our supporters