On 27 March 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) will say goodbye to Gaia, the revolutionary space mission that has transformed our understanding of the Milky Way. Over the past years, Gaia has mapped the positions, motions, and properties of over a billion stars, unveiling the complex structure and history of our Galaxy.
To honor and celebrate Gaia’s extraordinary journey our shared, the European Association for Astronomy Education (EAAE) invites students of all ages to participate in “Goodbye Gaia: Our Common Home – The Milky Way and the Gaia Mission”, a creative competition dedicated to astronomy, space exploration, and the legacy of this remarkable mission.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to students in the following age categories:
• Category 1: 6-10 years old
• Category 2: 11-14 years old
• Category 3: 15-18 years old
Submission Modalities
Participants can express their creativity and scientific curiosity through various formats:
• Art & Creativity: Drawings, paintings, collages, sculptures, or models.
• Writing & Storytelling: Essays, short stories, poems, or articles (Maximum 4 pages).
• Digital & Multimedia: Videos, animations, presentations, or digital illustrations (Maximum 4 minutes).
• Programming & Innovation: Interactive apps, games, or computer programs inspired by Gaia’s discoveries.
Themes
Submissions should relate to at least one of the following themes:
1. The Milky Way: Our Common Home – Understanding our Galaxy, its stars, and its history.
2. Gaia’s Legacy – The mission’s discoveries and their impact on astronomy.
3. Exploring the Universe – The future of space exploration and the role of technology.
How to Participate
• Entries open on 27 March 2025 and must be submitted by October 31, 2025.
• Individual and group submissions are allowed.
• Submissions must be sent by a teacher or parent and include the school name, country, student’s age, and grade level.
• Please use the following form to submit your participation:
https://forms.gle/9eXBMNEzzneQeEGj9
• More details on how to submit your work will be available on the EAAE website: https://eaae-astronomy.org/projects/all-seasons/goodbye-gaia and https://eaae-astronomy.org/
Awards & Recognition
Winners will receive certificates, exclusive Gaia mission souvenirs, feature in an online exhibition, and have the chance to present their work in an EAAE event dedicated to Gaia’s farewell. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Join us in celebrating Gaia’s journey and the wonders of our Galaxy!
For more information, visit https://eaae-astronomy.org/projects/all-seasons/goodbye-gaia or contact us at:
