Canterbury teachers will have a rare opportunity to explore the wonders of space science with leading international experts during a free one-day event this September.

The Astrobiology Teachers Day, to be held at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand on Friday 26 September, will feature guest speakers from NASA and the Blue Marble Institute of Space Science. The event is aimed at educators interested in inspiring students through the lens of astrobiology, the scientific study of life in the universe.

Organisers say the day will focus on how the mysteries of space, the origins of life, and questions such as whether we are alone in the universe can ignite curiosity and scientific thinking in classrooms across the country.

The event will provide teachers with insight into how astrobiology supports the New Zealand curriculum, offer practical ideas for integrating space science into everyday teaching, and give educators early access to a new travelling astrobiology exhibition. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with the national Spaceward Bound NZ programme.

The event has been organised to mark ten years of astrobiology in New Zealand, with support from the US Embassy and the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. It is free to attend but registration is essential.

Further details and tickets are available at events.humanitix.com/10yearsofnzastrobiology/tickets. Additional information about the event can be found at astrobiology.nz.