Space Center Houston’s annual Planet Earth Celebration brings people and space together to recognize how extraordinary our planet is—and to explore simple, meaningful ways to protect it. 

The origins of Planet Earth Celebration

The Planet Earth Celebration traces its roots to the iconic Earthrise photo taken by Apollo 8 astronauts in 1968, showing our planet rising above the Moon’s horizon. This striking image—the first color photo of Earth from space—inspired a sense of global unity and urgency around protecting our fragile planet.

It played a pivotal role in launching the environmental movement and led to the first Earth Day in 1970, when millions of people rallied for change. Today, the celebration continues to raise awareness and inspire action to preserve Earth’s unique and vulnerable ecosystems.

This year’s celebration

This year’s Planet Earth Celebration had guests of all ages to discover fun and meaningful ways to care for our planet. Families gathered for a special story time reading of Only One by Deborah Hopkinson and Chuck Groenink, while others rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on cooking session that showcased creative ways to reduce food waste. From recycling education with the City of Houston to interactive marine life activities with the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the event offered something for everyone.

Guests took home free trees from Trees For Houston, part of the organization’s decades-long effort to plant and nurture green spaces across the region. Outdoors in Independence Plaza, visitors enjoyed colorful chalk art, games and pop-up science stations set against the iconic backdrop of NASA’s shuttle carrier aircraft.

Participating organizations like NOAA, UH-Clear Lake and Galveston Bay Foundation joined us in showing what’s possible when we work together for our planet. From recycling know-how to marine mammal conservation and urban reforestation, each activity reminded us that real change happens through collective action.

TechnoCycle played a key role in helping us reduce waste by recycling old items, totaling 6,264 lbs (approximately 3.13 tons) in 2025 and 3,841 lbs (approximately 1.92 tons) in 2024. Their efforts are a testament to the power of recycling in creating a more sustainable future for our planet.

Whether it was planting the seeds of sustainability, learning from local experts or simply sharing a moment outdoors, this year’s Planet Earth Celebration was a powerful call to care for our communities, our ecosystems and our one and only home. Mark your calendars and sign up to join us next year as we continue celebrating the beauty of our planet and discover new ways we can all help protect it.