Astronauts, scientists and space enthusiasts gather for annual Spacefest

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - The excitement was out of this world in Tucson this week for the annual Spacefest.

The gathering of retired NASA astronauts, space historians, scientists, authors and photographers brings together anything and everything you could want to know about space.

"The energy is fantastic," says Kelsey Poor, owner of Novaspace, a local art gallery owner and with her mother helps organize the event every year. "We all are really close we make new friends every year, we've been bringing some new exciting things into the mix and I'm just really excited, we do this for them."

Students and experts from across the globe were part of an interactive exhibit, showcasing different space missions and research that is being done to uncover the mysteries of the universe.

"It's been really fun seeing all these people so excited about science and all of this fun space stuff," says Jack McDougall, a student showing off the Osiris-Rex mission, which will attempt to land on an asteroid and collect samples.  "Previously I was the one being taught about it and now I get to share my excitement with everyone else."

"I love to come out and see the excitement in their eyes, getting to meet us, so they can understand a little more about what our nations space program has done," says retired NASA astronaut Jerry Ross, who has flown on the space shuttle seven times, a world record. "I love talking to the young people, trying to get them excited about what they can do in their careers."

Guest speakers and lecturers have been hosting speaking engagements all week. The event will wrap up Sunday morning.