BellaOnline Forums Education Astronomy Celebrate Yuri's Night by Reliving His First Orbit

April 12 is Yuri's Night - a celebration of the first man in space. Since 2001 it's been a worldwide party night and this year is very special, because it's the 50th anniversary of this historic event.

Even if you aren't going anywhere, you can enjoy the premier of First Orbit, produced by Christopher Riley.

Chris Riley also produced In the Shadow of the Moon which I reviewed last week. He managed to get an astronaut on the International Space Station to film what Yuri would have seen on his flight. In addition, a copy of the audio of the flight was unearthed (!) just in the nick of time to edit the film.

I know what I'll be doing later on this evening! Za Vas, Yuri!

Hi Mona - Yay! Yuri

I've just posted an article about his visit to the UK - and in particular, to my home town of Manchester. What an amazing man - and thanks for the 'First Orbit' link. On the Brit TV forum I've posted a link of his reception from the people of Manchester on July 12 1961. They were clearly thrilled to bits to see this superstar in their hometown.

Yuri Gagarin First Man in Space

Good article, Eileen. An interesting read.

I grew up in the USA and cosmonauts didn't visit my hometown(s)!

Ha ha - I'm sure they didn't.

However, it has to be said that the British government was unsure whether to send him a visa to the UK either, due to the Cold War and the post WWII dislike of the Soviet state.

Apparently once they realized the affection in which he was held by the British people - and particularly the left leaning workers of Manchester - they extended the invitation to London where he met the PM and even met the Queen. Quite a star

I've just seen a short video tribute to Gargarin which includes footage from training, lift-off and his reception after the flight -- but most beautifully, some songs from the Red Army Choir. And what an engaging smile the man had.

Tribute to Yuri Gagarin

Thanks Mona, it is a stirring video!