One of the biggest obstacles to scientific understanding is our limited ability to interact with technology and big data. This weekend, thousands of people around the world will unite in a massive international hackathon – solving global problems with the power of data and code. From human spaceflight and hardware hacks, to understanding asteroids and climate change, they’ll build open-source solutions to some of our toughest problems.

Created by NASA, the International Space Apps Challenge spans six continents and over 90 cities. People can also participate virtually online. The goal? To advance space exploration and improve life on our little planet.

Last year, we saw lots of amazing hacks from developers working with the Leap Motion Controller, including a remote robotic arm control system for underwater exploration, which won first place in San Francisco. Another team created a 3D interactive web browser that lets you explore satellite images taken from the International Space Station.

The 3D experiences created during Space Apps have the potential to make scientific data more accessible to everyone. Ultimately, we hope that some of these 3D experiences will make it into into the hands of students – helping them make sense of the universe and inspiring a new generation of hackers and explorers.

We’re excited to see what our community can build with Leap Motion technology. That’s why we’re provided Leap Motion Controllers to teams in San Francisco, New York, Reno, Tokyo, Paris, and London. You’re also invited to participate through our IRC channel, or jump into our Space Apps forum thread.

If you’d like to change the world this weekend, you can register on the Space Apps website. What will you build? A motion-controlled space robot prototype? An app that lets you explore alien solar systems? The universe is the limit.