March 10, 2009 —On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin launched to orbit aboard the Vostok 3KA-2, becoming the first human to travel into space.
Exactly 20 years later, on April 12, 1981, the first reusable space shuttle, STS-1, launched into space.
Put those two space exploration milestones together and you’ve got a reason to party! At least, George Whitesides and Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides thought so. They came up with the idea for Yuri’s Night, an annual around-the-world party that brings together people who work in the space industry with those who think space is cool.
The first event, held on April 12, 2001, included 64 parties around the world.
The 2009 event already includes nearly 100 parties being organized in 30 countries on six continents. This year parties are being held over a week, from April 4-12.
What kinds of parties are planned? In Washington D.C., for example, festivities include an intergalactic art exhibition, a cosmic burlesque show, band performances, prizes, a weird science demo, alien egg hunt, and more. In Austin, Texas, Richard Garriott is slated to be guest of honor and speaker. Garriott, who flew as a space tourist to the International Space Station on Soyuz TMA-13, is also one of the founding members of Space Adventures.
In Montreal, the event features astronomical art, space-inspired music and space-themed drinks. Plus prizes will be awarded for the best space-inspired costume. In Stuttgart, Yuri’s Night will include space exhibits, 3D movies and a world space party. In Cocoa Beach, Florida, activities include a space race run/walk, education and outreach and a space invaders costume party.
Click here to see where all parties are planned. Can’t find one near you? Click here to register your party.
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Scenes from past Yuri’s Night celebrations.
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