As part of World Space Week 2006, Armagh Planetarium launched its latest initiative, the Northern Ireland Space Office
(NISO). The Space Office is being jointly funded by Space Connections (a member of the Yorkshire Forward Regional Development Agency) and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in
Northern Ireland. NISO aims to build on the interest and enthusiasm of teachers. As part of WSW 2006 celebrations, NISO worked with Queen's University Belfast to co-ordinate the 'Space Odyssey' event.
Robert Hillo gave presentation on the history of Earth Observation and then pupils from local schools were invited to examine raw EO data and generate their own images using the ESA Leoworks
software. Professor Alan Fitzsimmons from QUB gave presentations about his role as a professional astronomer and the possible careers available to graduating students. Pupils had the chance to access
the Faulkes Telescopes, sited in Hawaii and Australia, via the university computer network. Over 500 secondary school pupils and teachers participated in the events throughout the week.
In Bristol, to celebrate World Space Week, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) funded "Star Trackers" which included a variety
of activities and events from 2 to 20 October at the Bristol planetarium. Professional and amateur astronomers were on hand to engage and inspire visitors of all ages, while in the Live Science zone there
were fun hands-on activities, including moon sample and meteorite handling sessions. There was a "Meet the Astronomer" Session, special activities on space stations, and space "news and views" sessions.
