2007 Space Day in Maine

The 2007 Space Day in Maine began with Governor John Baldacci signing a Proclamation declaring May 7th at Space Day in the State of Maine. Over 35 students, selected from schools participating in Space Day Maine were in attendance.

On May 6th a Welcome Dinner was held for Astronaut Chris Cassidy (one of Maine's astronauts). Immediately following the dinner, a Star Party was arranged for all by the Southern Maine Astronomy Club. Astronuat Cassidy was also the main speaker at all six public schools in Brunswick, Maine the following day. Over 4,000 students heard Astronaut Cassidy talk about his training and work at the Johnson Space Center. Other participants in these events included experts in the fields of astronomy, astrobiology, rocketry, etc. .

The Official Space Day Brunswick began first thing in the morning on Monday, May 7th. Space activities and many speakers were arranged for each of the six schools throughout the day. Events included speakers, presentations, rocket launches, airplane contests, Signatures in Space program, and many, many other activities.

Space Day was also celebrated at the St. John's School in Brunswick and at the Curtis Memorial Library with the Cornerstones in Science sponsoring an all day event for the public.

On May 15th, Brunswick Jr. High students participated in a Video Teleconference at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding in Bath and with the Digital Learning Network at the Johnson Space Center. The topic was a program called NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations)- astronauts working underwater in an environment to simulate working conditions in space. The NEEMO facility in which they residing in for approximately a week is called Aquaris and is located in the waters around Key West. Students watched and listened to how the astronauts live and work under 60 feet of water.

For more information on Space Day in Maine, contact Sharon Eggleston, the Northeast Regional Coordinator for Space Day activities.