When is National Astronomy Day? Movable Holiday - Date changes!
Astronomy Day occurs on a Saturday between mid-April and mid-May, and is scheduled so as to occur at or just before the first quarter Moon. This means that the event happens on a different date each year, rather than a set calendar date.
The table below shows the dates for Astronomy Day:
- 2008
May 10th
- 2009 May 2nd
- 2010 April 24th
- 2011 May 7th
- 2012 April 28th
- 2013 April 20th
- 2014 May 10
- Astronomy Day also forms part of Astronomy Week, which begins on the preceding Monday.
What is this holiday about?
To promote the science of Astronomy-
Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is "Bringing Astronomy to the People," but on occasion there is an additional theme (but not always) when conditions warrant. This additional theme is often decided just a few months prior to Astronomy Day.
Who celebrates this holiday? United National Observance
astroleague.org tells us that "Astronomy Day events take place at hundreds of sites across the United States. Internationally England, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, the Philippines, Argentina, Malaysia, New Guinea plus many other countries have hosted Astronomy Day activities. Each location plans and executes events that work best for their local area." To locate the nearest event or to list your event see: http://www.astroleague.org/al/astroday/astroday.html
Origin of this holiday:
This event was started in 1973 by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California. His intent was to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that passersby could enjoys views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy.
We found recognition about this holiday from:
Calendar sites and personal Internet sites that blog and share information about this holiday.
How is this holiday celebrated?
- Observances: astronomy-related events and competitions-
- Local astronomical societies, planetariums, museums, and observatories will be sponsoring public viewing sessions, presentations, workshops, and other activities to increase public awareness about astronomy and our wonderful universe.
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The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) - year-long celebration of astronomy, taking place in 2009 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the first recorded astronomical observations with a telescope by Galileo Galilei and the publication of Johannes Kepler's Astronomia nova in the 17th century. The Year was declared by the 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations. A global scheme, laid out by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), has also been endorsed by UNESCO—the UN body responsible for Educational, Scientific and Cultural matters. The opening ceremony was held in Paris on January 15-16, 2009. IYA2009 is to scheduled to include numerous global projects and public events. The IAU also released a book and movie on the history of the telescope for this event." website
Categories: Secular holidays / Astronomy education / Astronomy events /
April observances / May observances /
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A look into related National Holidays
• Weather Person's Day: February
• Moon Day: July 20 (Lunar Landing 1969)
• Over The Rainbow Day - May 15
• National Go Fly a Kite Day - 24
• Air Day - November 11
