Yuri Gagarin was the first human to go into space on April 12th, 1961. The US Space Shuttle first launched on April 12th, 1981. Yuri's Night is like the St Patricks Day or Cinco de Mayo for space. It is one day when all the world can come together and celebrate the power and beauty of space and what it means for each of us. Join us!
These were the words spoken by Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin as he embarked on the historic first manned space flight on 12 April 1961. Twenty years later on 12 April 1981, the US launched the first space shuttle flight. We think that's something worth celebrating - so we do! Every year on April 12th Yuri's Night is celebrated all around the world - last year there were over 90 events or parties held in over 30 countries worldwide - and this year looks set to be even bigger. The range of events is as diverse as the people who hold them - even the residents of the International Space Station have been known to join in the fun!
Whether in someone's living room, a swinging nightclub or a world-class science museum, Yuri's Night events all have one thing in common - people who are excited about space exploration and who want to join together to celebrate it.
Peace, Love, Space,
Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides
Co-Creator, Yuri's Night
loretta@yurisnight.net
George Whitesides
Co-Creator, Yuri's Night
george@yurisnight.net