Mount Maunganui College will become a hub of scientific inspiration next Wednesday, September 24.

The school will host a day-long event of celebrating Earth, marine and space science – and commemorating 10 years of astrobiology in New Zealand.

The milestone celebration includes a showcase of science, education, and collaboration between NZ and the United States, reflecting a 150-year history of scientific partnership between the two nations.

“The day has only been possible due to the funding received from the US Embassy by the New Zealand Astrobiology Network,” said Mount Maunganui College teacher James Critchley.

Exact replica of the Mars Rover Curiosity, in the Mars Yard at Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology. Photo / James Critchley

“With this funding, the NZAN has bought over three scientists from the USA. They are Dr Sanjoy Som and Dr Graham Lau from the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and Sarah Marcotte from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by Caltech for Nasa.”

Dr Sanjoy Som, planetary scientist and founder of BMSIS, studies planetary environments from early Earth to Mars. Photo / Supplied

The event will run 9am-12.30pm with the school’s hall transformed into a science expo with interactive stations and displays from a range of organisations, including representatives from universities, Spaceward Bound NZ, GNS Science’s Beneath the Waves, RNZAF’s School to Skies, and the Geological Society with a presentation on the 1874 Transit of Venus.

At 12.30pm, a panel discussion with feature the visiting US scientists and Professor Kathy Campbell from the University of Auckland, offering insights into the current state and future of space exploration.

Dr Graham Lau, “the Cosmobiologist”, is an astrobiologist, science communicator, and host of Nasa’s Ask an Astrobiologist. Photo / Supplied

A second event in the early evening features a screening of the documentary Good Night Oppy, which tells the inspiring story of the Mars Rover Opportunity – a mission that was expected to last just 90 days but instead operated for an astonishing 15 years.

The film will be introduced by JPL/NASA’s Sarah Marcotte, who will provide an insider’s perspective on the Mars Rover programme.

Sarah Marcotte is Nasa STEM Engagement Network lead at JPL, managing the Solar System Ambassadors Programme. Photo / Supplied

Both the morning and evening events are ticketed, with entry $5 per event. All proceeds will go towards supporting a Mount Maunganui College student’s upcoming science-focused trip to Maui and Los Angeles next year. Booking in advance is recommended as space is limited.

Tickets are available on Humanitix.

Morning Event: 150-Year Celebration of Scientific Partnership

Evening Event – Good Night Oppy Screening: Good Night Oppy – Documentary Screening

More details about the event and its background can be found on the NZ Astrobiology Network website.