Looking For An Excuse To Party?

The entire world is invited to the fifth annual Yuri's Night World Space Party on April 12th 2005 to commemorate the first man who orbited the earth. On April 12th 1961, 27 year-old Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made one orbit abound the earth at almost 17,000 miles per hour before landing. The first Space Shuttle mission was launched 20 years later on April 12th, 1981.

"I see Earth, it is so beautiful" were the first words spoken from space. From space, Astronauts see one planet and one people. The goal of Yuri's Night is to create a global community of young people who are committed to shaping the future of space exploration and the world while developing responsible young leaders with a global perspective.

Additionally, creators of Yuri's Night want to inspire public awareness and appreciation of Space. Loretta Hidalgo and George Whitesides, Executive Director of the National Space Society created the first Uri's Night party to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that flight and the 20th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle launch.

"In the four years since its inception, Yuri's Night World Space Party celebrations range from massive events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and Stockholm to the few cosmonauts and astronauts on the orbital space station and symbolic toasts at the South Pole research station, to a traditional ceremony under the cherry blossoms in Japan," according to a news release.

But where should you go to join the party?

In Los Angeles, Washington DC, San Francisco, Boston, and Houston the stars, astronauts, and space advocates will be gathering. Partygoers in Boston can participate in a raffle for a ride on the Zero-G plane, and those in Houston can go to the famed astronaut bar, Outpost to see which astronauts show up.

Parties are happening on all continents with events in China this year along with events in Stockholm, Vancouver, Capetown, Brisbane and Kourou. Japan is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the firing of the first Japanese rocket on April 12th, 2005 with 5 events.

WorldSpace UPOP Channel 29 will be covering the events, broadcast throughout Africa, Asia and in the US through XM Radio. Since 2002, Yuri's Night has been working with UPOP's show "The World Party" to get the message out.

If you can't make it to one of the larger parties, create your own. You can see a list of events around the world or register your own party at the website. Just don't drink and fly!

FMI: www.YurisNight.net