This year’s official Space Day celebration takes place on May 7. And the fun continues on May 8, 2010, with the Space Day Family Day event taking place in Washington, D.C.

Since its launch in 1997, the Space Day educational initiative, which takes place on the first Friday of each May, has evolved into a massive grassroots effort dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The ultimate goal is to promote math, science, technology and engineering education by nurturing young peoples’ enthusiasm for the wonders of the universe and inspiring them to continue the stellar work of today’s space explorers.

To find Space Day events taking place in your neighborhood, visit http://www.spaceday.org/index.php/View-Events.html.

Space Day Family Day will take place at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last year, over 36,000 kids, parents and museum visitors enjoyed hands-on educational activities hosted by Lockheed Martin, NASA, and the National Air and Space Museum.

To learn more about Space Day and explore resources and lesson plans, visit http://www.spaceday.org/.