Why the Seattle World's Fair Was About Science and Space

Seattle started planning for the fair in 1955 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1959. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. America became very concerned about potential wars involving rockets carrying nuclear warheads. The planning for the Seattle World's Fair switched it's theme from celebrating the past to looking toward the future. Science and space exploration became the main idea for most of the fair. On May 25, 1961, President Kennedy announced the goal of landing a man on the moon. The Seattle World's Fair opened in April of 1962.

Listen to Sputnik recorded over Texas in 1957.

1 Horsepower Motor Spins the Space Needle Restaurant

The whole restaurant on top of the Space Needle turns with a little 1 horsepower motor. Here's a picture of testing the set up.

Space Needle Web Cam

Want to look out from the top of the Space Needle but not have to go there? Check out the web cam at http://www.spaceneedle.com/view/webcam.html

Seattle World's Fair 50th Anniversary

Seattle is getting ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Seattle World's Fair this year. The idea for the original fair in 1962 started as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909. Check out the official web site of this year's celebration at http://www.thenextfifty.org/