International Astronomy Day 2023: This year, International Astronomy Day will be observed on May 15 and October 9 — near to the first quarter moon of spring and autumn. We could not be happier to spend this day participating in a variety of space-related activities. Not possessing a telescope? No problem! Here are some suggestions for celebrating like a genuine intergalactic scout.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY
Astronomy is a natural science that has existed throughout the entirety of human history. Our progenitors gazed at the night sky with the same fervour as we do, curious about what lay beyond our planet. Indigenous cultures from all over the world practised astrology with the unaided eye, and it played a significant role in their societies. This was exemplified by Mayan astronomy. They were ardent skywatchers who kept records and created calendars and star charts. To them, the movement of the constellations, moon, and sun revealed the actions of the gods.
Despite the fact that many cultures around the globe made significant advances in astronomy, Nicolaus Copernicus is likely the most revered astronomer in history. He was the first to postulate that the sun revolved around the earth. This was a genuinely revolutionary concept, as many astronomers and religions previously believed that the earth was the centre of the universe. Copernicus challenged this notion by proposing that humanity was merely a part of a much more complex space-time system.
Doug Berger, who at the time was president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, founded International Astronomy Day. He intended to pique the interest of urbanites in astronomy. To accomplish this, he installed telescopes that people could use to observe space. Since then, the event has acquired popularity and the support of educational institutions, space agencies, and museums, among others.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE WORLD ASTRONOMY DAY
Take your telescope outside of town.
Away from the city’s bright lights, astronomical observation is enhanced. Make it a night out with family and friends.
Visit a planetarium
Planetariums are an experience that can be enjoyed by anyone. It is not only informative but also exhilarating and entertaining!
View “Cosmos” by Carl Sagan.
Why not celebrate by viewing this extraordinary documentary series?
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Five Telescope Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
They use various media to create images.
Telescopes can utilise either glass lenses or mirrors to magnify and focus the light of an image.
Historically, astronomers did not always use them.
Initially, only sea merchants, pirates, and the military utilised telescopes.
China hosts the greatest radio telescope.
It encompasses 30 soccer fields and is located in China’s Pintang Astronomy Town.
One exists in a desert
In Chile, South America, the Atacama Cosmology Telescope is located in the same-named desert.
The parents of Jacks Black laboured at one
The renowned actor’s parents worked as Hubble Space Telescope satellite engineers.
WHY WE LOVE INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY
It piques your interest.
You will want to learn more about our universe after celebrating International Astronomy Day.
It is a possible outdoor activity
What could be better than taking in some fresh air while admiring a magnificent night sky?
It occurs twice yearly!
If you miss it, there will be another opportunity to commemorate it.
INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | May 7 | Saturday |
2022 | October 1 | Saturday |
2023 | April 29 | Saturday |
2023 | September 22 | Friday |
2024 | May 18 | Saturday |
2024 | October 12 | Saturday |