Assemble a team and spend a weekend at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute!  This event is for the whole weekend and lasts from the start date listed below at 7:00pm on April 11th, 2025, through Sunday, April 13th at 3pm.  Lodging and food are provided at not cost to attendees.

This Hack-A-Thon is for teams ready to tackle big ideas in space exploration. If you believe you are up to the task of transforming a complex topic into a tool or experience that helps others understand and be inspired, this event is for you!

If you’re a teacher, gather up a team of students. If you’re a high school student, gather up some friends and a teacher. If you’re a college student, gather some friends. Then, register here! The deadline to register and receive free meals is March 31st. Lodging registration is first come, first serve. 

Your team will choose from a menu of space science related challenges to take on for the weekend. Most challenges will be related to developing creative ways to explain concepts in space science and human space exploration to others. For instance, you may create an interactive way to show people the composition of regolith from different regions on Mars, or a video game to allow people steer a space probe around an icy moon to catch particles from ice geysers. During the Hack-A-Thon you’ll create the best version you’re able, and the most inspiring teams could see their ideas turned into real exhibits that become part of a travelling model of part of the International Space Station.

Teams are encouraged to register together and must include at least one adult.  Teams should be interested in attending the entire event which lasts all weekend.  Please read all the details on the event website before registering.  This event is hosted in partnership with the Smoky Mountain STEM Collaborative.