Starmus Festival honors Artemis II crew in Tenerife

The eighth edition of the Starmus Festival has commenced in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, bringing together science, music, and space exploration. A central highlight of the opening ceremony was the presentation of the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication to the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission.

Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen received the award, reflecting on their experience orbiting the Moon. The crew emphasized themes of global unity and positivity, with Wiseman noting that seeing Earth from space highlights the individual responsibility to make the future better. Crew member Christina Koch was recognized in absentia.

The festival also introduced the inaugural Jane Goodall Earth Medal, which was awarded to astrophysicist and Queen guitarist Brian May for his work with the Save Me Trust organization. The event’s opening festivities included a musical performance titled ‘The Symphony of Stars,’ featuring Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, and Brian May.

Running from October 17 to 22 across Tenerife and La Palma, the festival includes the ‘Science Camp,’ offering interactive exhibits and public engagement to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and the general public.