World Space Week

Celebrate #MaverickScience in space as the UTA College of Science participates in World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. Established by the the United Nations in 1999, World Space Week has been held annually from October 4-10. These dates commemorate two events:

  • October 4, 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration.
  • October 10, 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.

Mavericks in Space Display

September 23rd - October 3rd
UTA University Center Art Gallery / Various Locations

Equipped with a strong foundation in science and math and advanced skills in specialized fields, UTA students are ready to launch into impressive careers in the space industry, as highlighted by the latest issue of UTA Magazine. Pop-up banners highlighting space-related academic opportunities at UTA and recognizing the contributions of many alumni in the space industry will be displayed, along with a collection of photos from Texas-based astrophotographer Jerry Gardner, a College of Science guest for World Space Week. 



Mavericks in Space (UTA Magazine)
Man posing for a photo behind a huge telescope.

Learn Astrophotography Basics

Saturday, October 1st (4 - 5:30 p.m.)
UTA Planetarium

Learn to take your skywatching to the next level with an introduction to astrophotography workshop with Jerry Gardner of the 3 Rivers Foundation and Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus, presented free inside the UTA Planetarium. Then put your newly acquired skills to the test during our International Observe the Moon Night watch party at UTA's Park Central Observatory on top of the Park Central Garage later in the evening. No previous knowledge or equipment required for the info session, but your own gear is recommended for photography at the watch party.


International Observe the Moon Night Thumbnail, Kids Looking through Telescope at Night Sky

International Observe the Moon Night Party

Saturday, October 1st (6 - 9 p.m.)
UTA Observatory

International Observe the Moon Night is a time to come together with fellow Moon enthusiasts and curious people worldwide. Everyone on Earth is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon. Join us for a watch party at UTA's Park Central Observatory on top of the Park Central Garage. Utilize the observatory, share a telescope or bring a tripod and camera to capture your own photos of the moon with tips from planetarium staff and an astrophotographer, while enjoying free hot dogs and moon pies.

UTA Park Central Garage
500 S Center St, Arlington, TX 76010

Face of Douglas Rowland, NASA guest/physics speaker.

NASA's Dr. Douglas Rowland

Tuesday, October 4th (12:30 p.m.)
UTA Planetarium Theater

Douglas Rowland is the Chief of the Ionosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere Physics Laboratory in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. His research interests include the dynamics of the upper atmosphere, and the coupling of the magnetosphere to the ionosphere. Dr. Rowland currently serves as the Project Scientist for the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) mission. Free pizza/refreshments in the Planetarium Atrium for all attendees.


Outside view of UTA Chemistry and Physics building.

#MaverickScience in Space

Wednesday, October 5th (12 p.m.)
UTA Planetarium Theater

The UTA College of Science presents a research round-table featuring faculty actively engaged in research with space connections - Sandy Dasgupta (Chemistry), Yue Deng (Space Physics), Ramon Lopez (Space Physics) and Nevin Weinberg (Astrophysics). Hear brief, generalized presentations from #MaverickScience faculty and participate in a Q&A session.

Woman pointing to a transparent globe.

Printmaking the Stars

Wednesday, October 5th (6 - 8 p.m.)
UTA Planetarium

The James Webb Telescope opened our eyes further to the magnificence of deep space when the new images were released earlier this fall. Join resident artist Morgan Chivers and his UTA FabLab staff for a printmaking activity of your own version of deep space images while hearing about the photos and other celestial bodies from UTA Astronomer Nila Veerabathina in the lobby of the UTA Planetarium.


Face of Kandy Fabreo-Montelongo

Kandy Fabreo-Montelongo

Thursday, October 6th (12:30 p.m.)
Planetarium Theater

UTA math alum Kandy Fabreo-Montelongo (she/they) is co-owner and VP of Engineering at Critical Realm Corporation, a contractor at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

Kandy has worked on numerous space projects, including SOFIA - Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy – Cubesats for biological research, and is currently flight software lead for a team working on autonomous satellite communications and guidance. Kandy shares from their current work and career journey in this informative and biographical talk.


Rodrigo Devivar

Friday, October 7th (3:00 p.m.)
Planetarium Theater

The UTA Department of Chemistry welcomes interested students, faculty, staff and members of the public to its seminars from leading researchers from here and around the globe. Join us during Space Week for a virtual talk in the UTA Planetarium from Dr. Rodrigo Devivar, Senior Scientist with Jacobs Technology and NASA's Johnson Space Center.


Dark stage with black lighting shining on a man in a hat, singing into a microphone and playing with a guitar.

Ambient Musical Experience & Star Show – Jacob Furr & Co.

Saturday, October 8th (8 p.m.)
UTA Planetarium

Fort Worth musicians Jacob Furr, Clint Kirby and Ryan Tharp venture deep into the night sky in this ambient-synth musical experience performed live in the UTA Planetarium during a guided star show on the 60-foot dome. Cruise the planets and distant galaxies while enjoying the band’s musical talents.



World Space Week At a Glance

  1. Mavericks in Space Display Sept. 23-Oct. 3 E.H. Hereford University Center Art Gallery & Various Locations
  2. Astrophotography Workshop Oct. 1, 4-5:30 p.m. UTA Planetarium Theater
  3. International Observe the Moon Night Oct. 1, 6-9 p.m. Top Deck, Park Central Garage
  4. Doug Rowland Oct. 4, 12:30 p.m. UTA Planetarium
  5. #MaverickScience in Space Panel Oct. 5, Noon UTA Planetarium
  6. Printmaking the Stars Oct. 5, 6-8 p.m. UTA Planetarium
  7. Kandy Fabreo-Montelongo Oct. 6, 12:30 p.m. UTA Planetarium
  8. Rodrigo Devivar Oct. 7, 3:00 p.m. UTA Planetarium
  9. Live Music & Star Show Oct. 8, 8 p.m. UTA Planetarium