This past weekend, Curtin University transformed into a cosmic playground, drawing in thousands of space lovers for the exhilarating Cosmos on Campus event — a celebration designed to captivate and inspire the next generation of earth and planetary scientists.

An astonishing 9,000 attendees flocked to the Bentley campus for this free community gathering, which melded art, science, and imagination in a spectacular showcase of Western Australia's groundbreaking research.

Visitors marveled at awe-inspiring seven-meter-wide replicas of Mars and Earth, crafted with intricate NASA visuals by acclaimed UK artist Luke Jerram. These enormous celestial bodies allowed guests to explore every crater, valley, and mountain in stunning detail.

A dazzling trail of neon lights guided attendees among the planets, accompanied by an array of live musical performances and telescopes offering breathtaking views of the night sky.

Prominent scientists and researchers engaged the crowd with compelling talks and fireside chats, unraveling topics from the secrets hidden in ancient rocks to methods for uncovering water and resources both on Earth and Mars.

These narratives connected earth and planetary science to pressing global challenges, addressing vital issues such as climate change and the quest for extraterrestrial life.

Tim Urquhart, Director of Properties, Facilities, and Development at Curtin, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: Cosmos on Campus was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and community. It was heartwarming to see our community marvel at the universe like astronauts do, pondering its vast mysteries under the stars.

Professor Mark Ogden, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin's Faculty of Science and Engineering, highlighted the impact of interaction with leading scientists: These experiences can ignite lifelong passions in aspiring space explorers and planetary scientists. He added, By fusing art, science, and storytelling, we aim to inspire young innovators here in Western Australia to pursue their cosmic dreams. With Curtin ranked first in Australia for earth sciences, we are proud to lead research in areas spanning planetary science to radio astronomy.

Additionally, the John Curtin Gallery featured interactive research from Curtin's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, along with videos from Luke Jerram discussing his captivating artworks.