Learn about the ESA Open Day as part of the European Researchers’ Night

ESA Open Day to Inspire and Educate Visitors on the Wonders of Space

On September 29th, the European Space Agency (ESA) will open its doors to the public at its Earth Observation center in Frascati, Italy. This annual open day event aims to engage and inspire people with the wonders of science and space missions, while also raising awareness about the diverse range of careers available in these fields.

Coinciding with the European Commission’s European Researchers’ Night, the ESA Open Day promises to be an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Families with children are especially welcome, as the event will feature activities based on ESA’s programs for scientific research and space exploration that demonstrate how ESA contributes to improving people’s lives and increasing awareness of our planet and the universe.

The event will showcase presentations, quizzes, and interviews conducted by ESA experts and scientific communicators using the Discover ESA live platform. Notable guests include Anthea Comellini and Andrea Patassa, who will share their experiences of being selected as members of the ESA Astronaut Reserve in November 2022. Additionally, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano will connect remotely from Houston to share his insights and experiences.

For young visitors aged between 8 and 13 years old, four hands-on laboratories will offer engaging activities that provide a deeper understanding of ESA’s work and missions. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and registrations for the laboratories will take place on-site outside the canteen.

Guided tours will be available for visitors aged over 14, allowing them to explore the Earth observation multimedia center (Φ-Experience), the heritage missions walkthrough exhibition area, and the memorabilia wall that showcases all of ESA’s areas of activity. These tours offer a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of space exploration.

Furthermore, the event will feature three powerful telescopes on the Uliveto terrace, allowing visitors to observe celestial objects in the September sky. Rocket model launches will be demonstrated in front of building 14, providing a thrilling spectacle for attendees. Additionally, prototypes of the air quality platforms project will be showcased at the Φ-lab pergola, highlighting ESA’s commitment to environmental research and technology.

To attend the ESA Open Day, registration is mandatory for all visitors and can be completed via the Frascati Scienza website. Upon arrival, attendees must present their registration sheet and a valid ID to access the ESA site. Please note that only registered individuals will be allowed on-site.

The ESA Open Day promises to be an enlightening and captivating event that will leave visitors in awe of the possibilities that space exploration and scientific research hold. So mark your calendars for September 29th and join us at the ESA Earth Observation center in Frascati for a day filled with discovery, inspiration, and the wonders of the universe.

For more information about the event, visit the Frascati Scienza website.