Astronomy Day is an annual event in the United States and later in other countries, intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various
astronomy
Astronomy () is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, g ...
enthusiasts, groups and professionals.
History
This event was started in 1973 by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern
California
California is a state in the Western United States, located along the Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the most populous U.S. state and the 3rd largest by area. It is also the m ...
. His intent was to set up various
telescope
A telescope is a device used to observe distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. Originally meaning only an optical instrument using lenses, curved mirrors, or a combination of both to observ ...
s in busy urban locations so that passersby could enjoy views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy.
Originally, Astronomy Day occurred on a Saturday between mid-April and mid-May, and was scheduled so as to occur at or close to the first quarter
Moon
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It is the fifth largest satellite in the Solar System and the largest and most massive relative to its parent planet, with a diameter about one-quarter that of Earth (comparable to the width of ...
. In 2007, an autumn rendition of Astronomy Day was added. It was scheduled to occur on a Saturday between mid-September and mid-October so as to be on or close to the first quarter Moon.
Future events
The
lunar influence on the schedule means that the events happen on a different date each year, rather than set calendar dates. The table below shows the dates for up coming Astronomy Days:
Past events
The
Astronomical League canceled the in-person event in 2020 due to the global pandemic of COVID-19 virus. Some organizations, such as the
Lowell Observatory, hosted virtual events to continue the tradition.
See also
;Events
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Earth Hour
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Earth Day/Earth Week
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Earth Week
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100 Hours of Astronomy (100HA)
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National Dark-Sky Week (NDSW)
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National Astronomy Week (NAW)
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World Space Week (WSW)
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White House Astronomy Night
References
External links
Astronomical League information page on Astronomy DayRoyal Astronomical Society of Canada - Astronomy DaySky And TelescopeA Csillagászat Napja 2018-ban
{{Portal bar, Astronomy, Stars, Spaceflight, Outer space, Solar System
Astronomy education events
April observances
May observances
Unofficial observances
September observances
October observances
Observances about science
Observances held on the first quarter moon