World Space Week (4–10 October) is here, and this year’s theme, Living in Space, invites us to imagine what it means to exist beyond our little blue planet. From astronauts living and experimenting aboard the International Space Station to engineers designing lunar habitats, it’s a theme that celebrates human ingenuity and creativity.

But “living in space” isn’t just about rockets, satellites, and adventures on other planets. It can also be about making more space in our own lives to wonder and learn. So whether you’re an aspiring astronaut, a casual stargazer, or just someone who enjoys a good story set among the stars, here are a few ways to bring a little more space into your world this week.

Lose yourself in a space-themed book

Here are my personal recommendations!

Fiction:

📘 Atmosphere – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set during the space shuttle era, this novel follows a woman astronaut facing both a crisis in orbit and in her own identity. It’s a moving, and brilliantly human story. One of my 6 star reads.

📗 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
A timeless classic. Funny, sarcastic, and infinitely quotable. Adams’ five-book “trilogy” remains one of the wittiest journeys through space ever written.

📕 The Last Murder at the End of the World – Stuart Turton
Part murder mystery, part dystopian sci-fi. This book is a gripping read full of twists and turns, with lots of sinister undertones about the future of AI, climate change and humanity.

📙 An Astronomer in Love – Antoine Laurain
A beautifully written dual-timeline story linking an 18th-century royal astronomer and a 21st-century Parisian man. Part swashbuckling pirate adventure, part modern-day romance. A gentle, star-filled reflection on love and time.

📘 Orbital – Samantha Harvey
Winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, this poetic novella follows six astronauts aboard the ISS. It’s a quiet, lyrical love letter to Earth and all its fragile beauty.

Non-Fiction:

📖 White Holes – Carlo Rovelli
A mind-bending yet accessible exploration of relativity, black holes, and the possibility of their mysterious counterparts – white holes.

📚 Letters from an Astrophysicist – Neil deGrasse Tyson
Witty, wise, and wonderfully written. Tyson’s letters touch on science, philosophy, and the human condition, all with his signature warmth.

🌌 The Milky Way Smells of Rum and Raspberries – Dr Jillian Scudder
Packed with delightful cosmic facts and curiosities. Perfect for dipping in and out between stargazing sessions.

🚀 The Future of Geography – Tim Marshall
One of my all-time favourites. Marshall explores how politics and power will shape humanity’s next great frontier: outer space.

👨‍🚀 Limitless – Tim Peake
A deeply inspiring autobiography from Britain’s own astronaut, charting his journey from pilot to spacewalker.

🔭 Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics – Zeilik & Gregory
For those who want to dig deeper into the science behind the stars — the perfect desk companion for the truly curious. This was my first Astrophysics textbook when I started my Bachelor’s degree!

Listen to the sound of space…themed songs

I’ve put together a playlist of space-themed tunes that you can pop on while you read, work, or relax. It’s got a mix of genres, from the classics of David Bowie’s Starman and Elton John’s Rocketman to the Eurovision classic Satellite by Lena or metal band Enter Shikari’s The Sights. Enjoy!

Get hands-on with some space-themed activities

If you fancy something more interactive, why not try a few space-themed activities?

• I’ve put together a collection of space-themed activities you can try at home. Check out my blog post, 5 Ways to Bring Space Closer to Home, for some fun, accessible ways to explore the universe without leaving Earth.
• The UK Space Agency has partnered with the Scouts to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by supporting space-themed badges. This collaboration offers young people aged 4–18 the chance to explore and learn more about the beauty of our universe and space travel. You don’t have to be a Scout to do these activities at home!
• And of course, there’s my own Starplot Glasgow project, which allows you to view the night sky from Glasgow on your computer (independent of the weather!) a creative offshoot of the Starplot library, blending astronomy, art, and data into something that brings the night sky a little closer to home.