Astronomy Day
An Astronomy Day celebration in West Bengal, India
StatusActive
GenreAstronomy-related events and competitions
Date(s)Saturday between mid-April and mid-May on or just before the first quarter moon
FrequencySemi-annually (Spring and Fall)
CountryUnited States and later others
Years activesince 1973
ParticipantsAstronomers and astronomy enthusiasts

Astronomy Day is an annual event in various countries, intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals.

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 enjoy views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy.[1]

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 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:

Timeline of Astronomy Day events[2]
Year Season Astronomy Day First Quarter Moon
2021 Spring May 15 May 19
Autumn October 9 October 12
2022 Spring May 7 May 8
Autumn October 1 October 2
2023 Spring April 29 April 27
Autumn September 23 September 22
2024 Spring May 18 May 15
Autumn October 12 October 10
2025SpringMay 3May 4
Autumn September 27 September 29

Past events

Timeline of Astronomy Day events[2]
Year Season Astronomy Day First Quarter Moon
2005SpringApril 16April 16
2006SpringMay 6May 5
2007SpringApril 21April 24
2008SpringMay 10May 12
2009SpringMay 2May 1
2010SpringApril 24April 21
AutumnOctober 16October 14
2011SpringMay 7May 10
AutumnOctober 1October 3
2012SpringApril 28April 30
AutumnOctober 20October 21
2013SpringApril 20April 18
AutumnOctober 13October 11
2014SpringMay 10May 7
AutumnOctober 4October 1
2015 Spring April 25 April 25
Autumn September 19 September 21
2016 Spring May 14 May 13
Autumn October 8 October 9
2017 Spring April 29 May 2
Autumn September 30 September 27
2018 Spring April 21 April 22
Autumn October 13 October 16
2019 Spring May 11 May 11
Autumn October 5 October 5
2020 Spring May 2 April 30
Autumn September 26 September 23


The Astronomical League canceled the in-person event in 2020 due to the global pandemic of COVID-19 virus.[3] Some organizations, such as the Lowell Observatory, hosted virtual events to continue the tradition.[4]

See also

Events

References

  1. ↑ Editors of Sky and Telescope;"Celebrate Astronomy Day". Nepe Sky And Telescope:April 28, 2012
  2. 1 2 "Astronomy Day Fact Sheet | The Astronomical League". www.astroleague.org. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 2016-05-09.
  3. ↑ "Astronomy Day Cancellation | the Astronomical League". 23 April 2020.
  4. ↑ "Astronomy is for Everyone | National Astronomy Day 2020 » Lowell Observatory". May 2020.
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