What Are You Doing For Astronomy Day?

16 Sep 2015

It’s that time of year again when space enthusiasts (professional and novice) get ready to explore the wonders of the night sky. It’s an exciting occasion that happens only twice a year (Spring and Autumn) and is set to take place Saturday September 19th, 2015. Astronomy clubs, science museums, planetariums and other organizations are ready to share the wonders of space with all those who are interested. Astronomy Day’s theme is “Bringing Astronomy to the People” and that’s exactly what they intend on doing.

Where It All Began

This idea took root in 1973 in California by the then president of the Astronomical Association, Doug Berger. His idea was to make the wonders of the night sky accessible to all those individuals with an interest, rather than only those that could travel to large observatories. To do this they set up telescopes in convenient locations like street corners, shopping malls and parks.

“Bringing Astronomy to the People”

His idea paid off with the general public getting a chance to behold the celestial wonders of their area along with a big promotional push for the local astronomy club. People were hooked and it has become a worldwide event ever since.


Attribution:By ESO (http://www.eso.org/public/images/e-elt_hex_01/) [CC BY 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Where’s All the Festivities Taking Place?

It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, Astronomy Day is being recognized and celebrated in several locations across the United States, England, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Philippines, Iran, New Guinea, Argentina, Malaysia and many others (to locate an event nearest you, or to list your own event go to https://www.astroleague.org/AstronomyDay)

If your area doesn’t have anything official planned, but you want to partake in the nighttime wonders, just grab a telescope, binoculars or even your own naked eyes. Invite your friend and family to create a fun, educational and inexpensive experience.

Moon Over the Added Bonus

This year’s Astronomy Day just happens to coincide with another popular event, the International Observe the Moon Night or InOMN. This gives enthusiasts of all ages and skill level a chance to participate in a night of moon-gazing. Check your local astronomy clubs, observatories, planetariums, science museums and other local organizations for events taking place in your area. It promises to be a night you will “moon” over for years to come, so you may want to organize something with your family and friends.

Don’t miss out on a worldwide event. Astronomy Day and International Observe the Moon Night is a wonderful way to get involved with your community to celebrate all things celestial.