light pollution

World Space Week 2026 has begun, with the UN and partner organisations launching events across the globe. In Qatar, Katara opened activities aimed at inspiring young explorers, while Sharjah's Space and Astronomy Hub held its own celebrations. In the United States, local outlets highlighted astronauts from Livingston and Spokane, and commentators also marked the week by raising concerns about light pollution's impact on the night sky.

The UN and global partners have launched World Space Week 2026, an annual celebration running October 4-10 marking the anniversary of Sputnik's 1957 launch. This year's theme, the 'Rocket Revolution', highlights how far rocketry has come since that first satellite. Events range from student workshops in Qatar to local celebrations in the US honoring astronauts from Livingston and Spokane, with coverage also touching light pollution and space law.

World Space Week 2026 is being marked around the world, with the UN and partner organisations launching the annual celebration of space science under the theme of a 'rocket revolution'. Events include astronaut tributes in the United States and youth education activities at Katara in Qatar, alongside discussions on light pollution. Organisers use the week, running October 4-10, to promote space exploration and its benefits to the public.