Water in Motion: From Orbit to Air

An interactive Science Week experience exploring water in motion – from space and Earth to the tiny droplets in the air we breathe Water in Motion – From Orbit to Air is an exciting public engagement programme taking place at Blackrock Castle Observatory as part of Science Week 2026. The programme invites audiences to discover the remarkable journey of water, from distant worlds in our Solar System to the air we breathe. Building on the Observatory's popular Space Week activities, visitors will enjoy interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and engaging science experiences exploring the role of water in space and on Earth. Through fun activities, participants will discover how water shapes our planet and supports life on Earth. The programme will also introduce audiences to the fascinating science of aerosols - tiny water droplets suspended in the air and their importance in weather, environmental processes and human health. A special demonstration from the MASK research project will show how these invisible particles move through the air and how simple interventions, such as wearing a mask, can influence their spread. By bringing together space science, environmental science and cutting-edge research, Water in Motion – From Orbit to Air will inspire curiosity and demonstrate how science helps us better understand the world around us, creating a memorable Science Week experience for families, schools and the wider community.