The needs and practice of science communication have shifted profoundly over the past decade, driven by the rapid expansion of social media, the evolving role of traditional communication channels, and, more recently, the emergence of generative AI. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant weaknesses in how science is communicated, particularly within an increasingly complex and “polluted” information environment. These challenges underscored the importance of helping audiences navigate toward reliable, evidence-based knowledge and of fostering participatory, rather than purely top-down, forms of engagement.

Although these issues may appear less immediate within planetary science, they remain highly relevant. Research in planetary exploration, astrobiology, exoplanets, and Earth’s climate history often captures broad public attention, yet scientific findings can be easily misinterpreted or distorted within the modern information ecosystem. Strengthening engagement with planetary science is therefore vital — not only to share the sense of curiosity and wonder that motivates scientific discovery, but also to support science literacy, critical thinking, and a broader understanding of the scientific method.

This perspective is particularly fitting as we mark the 30th anniversary of Carl Sagan’s passing. Sagan’s legacy reminds us that effective science communication is not merely about transmitting facts, but about cultivating curiosity, skepticism, and a deeper appreciation of our place in the universe. Inspired by this tradition, we invite contributions that reflect on contemporary challenges and opportunities in science communication.

Rather than separating discussions into isolated themes — such as communication on social media, the role of long-form media, the use of AI tools, citizen science, or strategies for countering misinformation — this session encourages a broader exchange of ideas. We welcome participants to share activities, insights, and experiences addressing the central question of how diverse communication approaches can work in synergy to effectively convey scientific knowledge, inspire public interest, and strengthen meaningful engagement with science in the years ahead.

Planetary science is also a powerful tool for science education and for STEAM more broadly. Its multidisciplinary nature, combined with the fascination of exploring other worlds, makes it an exceptional framework for teaching a wide range of scientific and non-scientific concepts, as well as transferable skills.This session also focuses on emerging approaches in STEAM education that use planetary science as a framework.

Come join us in this session to discuss both astronomy-inspired art, and astronomy communication and outreach inspired by art.This session will explore the intersectionality of Art and (planetary) Science from both directions.

Not limited to any rules, interrogating us about our own nature, providing emotional and intellectual insights, impacting the masses and challenging the status quo, Art is the universal language of the people.
On the other hand, defined by clear rules and laws, invariable across time and space, described by ideas, concepts and mathematics more than words, Science is the universal language of our world and universe.

The scope is broad. For instance:
Artists are invited to display their science-inspired or science-driven projects and art pieces, and explain their creative process: why did they choose a specific approach, a specific media, or a specific way to represent a concept.
Scientists are invited to present data visualisation or sonification techniques - projects where art has been generated directly by the science and its components, either by design or by a happy accident.
Science communicators and educators are invited to showcase how they use art to impact various publics, and to inspire the next generation of scientists.

From painting to sculpture, from infographics and video content to generative AI, from video games to music, from photos to comics, all arts and media are welcome to this session.

Solar eclipses are among the most awe-inspiring celestial phenomena. Their rarity, predictability and dramatic visual impact make them exceptional opportunities to engage the general public with both the wonders of the cosmos and the scientific process trying to make sense of the Universe we live in. The awe of a total eclipse can be transformational for many people experiencing the event, driving curiosity towards STEM topics along with a sense of sharing, reflection, and a prosocial attitude. Besides, the buzz of a total eclipse can be leveraged to extend the engagement into areas where the eclipse is only partial too, making the number of people covered much much bigger.

This session aims at collecting experiences from past solar eclipses, especially the one that will cross parts of Europe on 12 August 2026, showcasing outreach activities, educational resources, communication strategies, and evaluation outcomes. We encourage participants to share best practices, challenges encountered and lessons learnt for future efforts. The discussion will also serve as a forward-looking platform to coordinate continental-scale outreach in preparation for the total solar eclipse that will cross Europe, Africa, and Asia next year, on 2 August 2027. By fostering collaboration among educators, researchers, science communicators and institutions, we seek to maximize the scientific, educational and societal impact of these extraordinary celestial events.

Every modern scientist will, at one time or another, face the challenge of growing a community around their project, and give it an identity easily recognisable by the said-community. Whether a small research group or an international organisation, building proactive community may be the key to unlocking greater collaboration and scientific achievement.

In this session, we will explore key tools for community-building. We welcome contributions from all occupations and backgrounds in planetary science. Early-career scientists are especially encouraged to attend - the sooner we learn these skills, the more time we have to use them.

What should you expect from this session? And how can you contribute?

- Building identity: branding, visual identity (e.g., logo, motto, etc.) online, as well as at events and in the media: how do you make your brand recognisable?
- Social media presence, exchange tools and websites: how do you grow your online community?
- Community-building tips and tricks: what works and what doesn't?
- Networking and lobbying for your community: how can you find key stakeholders to support your project?
- Diversity and inclusion: how do we ensure our projects benefit from diverse participation, while circumventing inter-cultural tensions?
- Involving the public in research: how can your community-building effort can benefit from Citizen Science and Pro-Amateur collaborations?

Amateur astronomy has evolved dramatically over recent years. A motivated amateur, with his/her backyard instrument and available software is nowadays capable of getting high-resolution planetary images in different wavelengths (better than many professional observatories could achieve 20 years ago). Topics well covered by amateur astronomers include: high-resolution imaging of solar system planets, high-precision photometry of stellar occultations by minor objects and giant planets' atmospheres, high-precision photometry of exoplanet transits, and observations of radio emissions in our galaxy.
Hundreds of regular observers are sharing their work providing very valuable data to professional astronomers, at a time when professionals face increasing competition accessing observational resources. Some experienced amateurs use advanced methods for analysing their data, facilitating regular collaboration with professionals and often leading to publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. However, the ability to carry out this work is increasingly threatened by light pollution and radio frequency interference. Existing international guidelines rarely apply to smaller observatories in semi-urban locations, and global satellite constellations pose an urgent additional challenge. This session will showcase results from amateur astronomers working alone or in collaboration with professionals, and present practical case studies on protecting observatories from light pollution and radio interference — covering legal frameworks, dark sky zones, and negotiations with local authorities or commercial operators — with the goal of fostering stronger pro-am partnerships and building shared resources to safeguard the future of astronomical observation.

Access to planetary science education and research remains uneven across regions and socioeconomic contexts. In many parts of the world, talented students face structural barriers that limit their opportunities to engage with scientific careers, despite strong motivation and potential. Over recent years, a wide range of initiatives have emerged to address these challenges through school outreach, mentoring programs, research internships, training networks, and community-based projects. These efforts aim to introduce planetary science at early stages, support students through key academic transitions, and provide practical research experience and professional guidance. Such programs play a crucial role in fostering diversity, strengthening local scientific capacity, and building sustainable research communities. Many of these initiatives operate in close collaboration with universities, research institutes, and international networks, creating bridges between education, research, and society. By combining scientific expertise with local engagement, they contribute not only to individual career development but also to long-term institutional growth and regional empowerment.


This session will showcase experiences and results from programs and organizations working to build inclusive pathways into planetary science, particularly in underrepresented groups or regions. Contributions may include outreach projects, mentorship and internship schemes, capacity-building initiatives, community partnerships, and evaluations of long-term impact. In addition, participants will be invited to share lessons learned, discuss common challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The session aims to serve as a platform for connecting initiatives, exchanging best practices, and fostering new partnerships that strengthen the global planetary science community.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating art installation 'Becoming Red Dust' developed by artist Hung Lu Chan to experience what it feels like to be dust lofted by the winds on planet Mars.

Who has never wondered at the beauty of an astronomy picture or in front of a painting? The Artistry of nature inspire scientists, and Science inspire artists. Beyond the usual scientific topics, the Europlanet Science Congress proposes an art exhibition to explore this duality. For the whole duration of the EPSC2026, you can stroll through Open Amare and view the Planetary Art Exhibition featuring artworks from EPSC2026 participants, the local dutch amateur astronomer community, and artists.

If you posses yourself an artistic fiber for visual art, you can submit your artwork until the Sunday 16th of August to be exhibited during the congress. More info at https://www.europlanet.org/epsc2026-art-exhibition/

Care for a walk? What better way to explore The Hague than following a route across a Solar System to scale? This city walk starts with the Sun at the steps of EPSC in Amare, taking you on a scenic route across the city (on foot or by bike) to reach Pluto on the steps to the beach at Scheveningen. On the way you can pass top sights like the palace gardens, Peace Palace and might even be able to spot the Girl with the Pearl Earring. Infused with historical and scientific facts, this planet trail will bring EPSC to the city of peace and justice and highlight The Hague's planetary allure.

The Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement recognises the effort and excellence of initiatives to promote planetary sciences towards the public and schools. It promotes the outreach and education work of individuals or organisations. The 2026 recipient will receive their prize on the lightning stage and give a brief overview of their work.

The first version of The Dwarf Planets was composed by Huib Henrichs in 2009 for piano. The unique character pieces were given names from the (candidate) Dwarf Planets known at the time, whose cultural mythologies matched the music. They were performed on many occasions by several pianists. After having heard The Dwarf Planets on the literature festival ‘Meet me at the Lighthouse’ in 2022, the Dutch poet Gerard Beentjes kindly asked permission to write poetry based on these diverse character vignettes, which resulted in an even tighter connection between the music, astronomy, and the mythology. In 2024, artist Vera Bruggeman, who worked with Gerard before, got inspired as well and crafted eight mythologically related vibrant paintings. This joined performance, with professional pianist Gerrie Meijers, provided a wonderful stage. Professional flutist Janneke Groesz added a new dimension to the Symphony by accompanying the latest edition for piano and piccolo/flute, especially arranged for this occasion. The music has been described as ‘neoclassic, but accessible’.

Keynote lecture by Alessandra Candian (University of Amsterdam)

One, No One and One Hundred Thousand: Identities and Belonging in Planetary Science

Planetary science asks us to understand worlds beyond our own—yet the ways we ask questions, and decide what matters are deeply shaped by who we are, by our identities. These identities shape our opportunities, experiences, priorities, and perspectives—and enrich the ways in which knowledge is created.
As an inherently interdisciplinary endeavor, planetary science depends on the productive encounter of different forms of expertise. Its success also depends on making space for the diversity of people and lived experiences that sustain these complementary expertise.
In this talk I will explore how recognizing our multiple identities can help us better understand participation in planetary science and offer an overview of the Dutch context, including continuing challenges and opportunities for change.

Keynote lecture by Claudia Mignone (INAF)

Abstract
Solar eclipses are rare, extraordinary events that engage billions of people with the fascination of celestial phenomena. Except perhaps the most famous space missions, solar eclipses are arguably the only events that really bring astronomy to big crowds, moving as many people as pop music concerts or the football world cup. For a brief time after the event, people who experienced a total eclipse of the Sun also exhibit pro-social behaviour and an enhanced interest towards STEM disciplines. This talks highlights the benefits from international collaboration among scientists, science communicators and educators, such as the "Eclipsing Borders" project, to leverage on this enhanced curiosity and inspiration in order to build a long-lasting engagement towards astronomy, astronomical culture and its role in society.