The Maitland Public Library will be hosting its annual Astronomy Week

Space — it’s the final frontier that continues to fascinate humankind. The desire to learn and explore what lies out among the stars has a grip on adults and children alike. 

Most recently, the launching of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket off the Space Coast earlier this month has brought astronomy back into the limelight. 

And luckily, it has happened at a good time for the Maitland Public Library. This week, the library is looking to continue fueling that passion for space with its annual Astronomy Week.

The weeklong event, which takes place Feb. 26 through March 2, encompasses a wide variety of different programs that are meant for everyone, said Amber Downs, the library’s manager of public services.

“We put on adult and children’s programs focusing on space, astronomy and kind of learning more about our universe,” Downs said. “We do lectures as well as telescope nights, where community members bring their telescopes and then can share with others to explore space.”

Downs also said the library received grant funding from the Friends of the Maitland Public Library to purchase two high-powered telescopes. One will be left at the library, while the other will be available for checkout by Maitland residents who have their library cards.

All of the events — free and open to the public — will be held at the library — except for the telescope viewings, which will take place right across the street at Quinn Strong Park. Tuesday’s viewing will be led along by local astronomy enthusiast Steve Ruta.

Another highlight of the week will come in the form of a an introduction to amateur astronomy by an astronomer from Seminole State College’s Buehler Planetarium.

Alongside the programs for older kids and adults, the library also will be putting on events for children.

“We have kids programs that are hands-on, like crafts, and then we have a community event where we’ll be doing another children’s program,” Downs said. “We’re going to be doing a solar flare viewing during the day and we will also be hosting movies throughout the week for people to drop in and watch with us.”

The movies include a showing of “Apollo 13” on Tuesday, a movie to be decided on Wednesday, and a showing of “The Right Stuff” on Friday.

And for those who take their young children to the library’s story time during the week, the upcoming sessions — which take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday — all will follow the space theme as well, Downs said.

“We have to get everybody involved — even the little ones,” Downs said.

Although the annual event is held to help educate the general public, library officials hope the community will walk away with more than just a new comprehension of our galaxy.

“We hold an astronomy week to bring our community together to explore our universe and gain further understanding about the world around us, as well as to promote community growth and sharing,” Downs said.