Status Active Country United States | Frequency Bi-annually | |
Genre Astronomy-related events and competitions Date(s) Saturday between mid-April and mid-May on or just before the first quarter moon Participants Astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts | ||
Astronomy Day is an annual event in the United States intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. One day each spring and fall, astronomy clubs, planetariums, and other groups of sky lovers band together to share the wonders and excitement of astronomy with their communities. The theme of Astronomy Day is “Bringing Astronomy to the People,”.
Contents
History
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.
Astronomy Day also forms part of National Astronomy Week, which begins on the preceding Monday.
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. 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.
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 Astronomy Day: