NASA astronaut announced as special guest for Space Week 2024 event in Kildare-based university

An astronaut from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been announced as a special guest for a County Kildare event which forms part of Space Week 2024.

Steven Swanson will visit Maynooth University (MU) as part of the event, titled From 'New Worlds to the Infinite Universe at MU', which will take place on the grounds of the university next month.

Commenting on the upcoming event, a spokesperson for MU said: "The university is hosting a free public talk with spectacular images for Space Week 2024!

Join us at MU for your chance to explore everything from the wonders of new worlds to new views of the universe in a fascinating event."

They continued: "This free in-person event will take place at the TSI Building, where experts will discuss the latest discoveries in space exploration; from exoplanets to cosmology, attendees will get the chance to delve into the wonders of the universe.

"Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and explore the unknown with MU."

Different speakers will cover a range of topics  at the event — the spokesperson elaborated: "The event will feature: 

• The attendance and a meet and greet with Steven Swanson, a NASA Astronaut who has logged over 195 days in space and completed five space walks across several flights. He will share his experience on the International Space Station and perspective on the future of space missions.
• Dr Colm Bracken discussing alien life, alien planets and how the latest technologies are assisting researchers in the discovery of new worlds.
• Prof Peter Coles presenting the early findings from the European Space Agency's Euclid mission.

"There will also be enlightening contributions from Dr Emma Whelan and PhD scholar Matthew Birney."

The spokesperson concluded: "The audience will also have a chance to pose their own questions for the experts to answer."

More information and tickets are available on Eventbrite.