We see the sky daily, no matter day or night. Every day the sky looks different and so does the weather. One day it is bright and shiny and the next day it is cloudy and rainy. But have you ever thought about what is beyond the limitless sky we see? Is it simply a blank space or a space full of celestial objects? Well, this is what astronomy is all about. In the upcoming paragraphs, we will enlighten you about basic astronomy and the International Astronomy Day as well.
When is the International Astronomy Day?
The world celebrates International Astronomy Day twice a year. It has no fixed date. For the year 2021, it was celebrated in Spring, on May 15th 2021, and again in Autumn, on October 9th 2021.
In 2022, it is to be celebrated in Spring, on May 7th 2022, and again in Autumn, on October 1st 2022. For 2023, it is going to be celebrated in Spring on April 29th 2023, as well as in Autumn, on September 23 2023. Now you might ask why is astronomy day celebrated? International Astronomy Day is an opportunity for astronomy amateurs and experts to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for outer space with the general public. It’s also a great method for anyone who’s interested in space to delve further into their interests and expand their knowledge.
History Behind the International Astronomy Day!
The secrets of outer space and astronomy have captivated the globe for as long as records have been kept. It’s hard to look up at the night sky on an evening and not be struck with awe at how vast the cosmos actually is in comparison to us. Since we are in awe of the outer space, we must know the history behind the great International Astronomy Day!
Doug Berger, then-president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, established the day in 1973. Originally, the day was marked by placing telescopes in developed areas to make space more accessible to everyone. He wished to uplift the public’s interest in astronomy. He wanted to provide more opportunities for them to learn about it.
The day has now grown and evolved the entire globe as well as several organizations. In addition, it was updated in 2006 to provide a second day of celebration in the fall. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about a fascinating subject. It can also be a valuable way to spend time with family, friends, and other people who share similar interests.
Ways to Celebrate the International Astronomy Day
There are many ways to celebrate the International Astronomy Day. As said above, experts find it as a best day to share their knowledge and its great for the common people to also know about astronomy. It is practically impossible for everyone to be a astronomer in a day. Thus, everybody can read, know and do the listed things below to celebrate the day!
There are things to do for all ages. Some may be done at home, but it can also be nice to go to a museum or planetarium to have a more complete experience. Find something to do to honor the heavenly bodies above us, no matter where you are on your learning path. Thus, the main point of the day is to celebrate it by learning something about the space.
Birthday and Moons
There are several methods to learn about the phases of the moon. But did you know you can also check up what the moon phase was on previous days? It’s a wonderful method for kids to learn about the moon cycle and the phase of moon on the day they were born. Comparing it to the moon on their birthday this year, is a terrific way to connect the past with the present. Thus, knowing your birthday moon is a good step towards increasing your knowledge on Astronomy day!
Clocks of Sun
Not all learning about space needs to take place at night. The sun is a vital aspect of our solar system. So, studying about it is equally important. Sun clocks were used to estimate the time of day prior to the invention of wall clocks. Today, a paper plate and a pencil is used to make a solar clock imitation. One can decorate the plate like a clock and insert the pencil through the center hole. After laying the plate in the sunshine with the twelve pointing north, the shadow will represent the hour hand of the clock. As said above, the main aim of the day is to learn and do something involving the celestial bodies. Hence, sun clock is a nice activity to try on this Astronomy day!
Constellations
Understanding about constellations is essential. It is fun to identify prominent constellations such as the Big Dipper, Orion, and Taurus, along with the time of year they can be seen in the sky. Each constellation has a story to tell. Therefore, knowing about the constellations’ history and origins can truly bring learning to life. On this Astronomy day, you can study about constellations and know about them to enhance your knowledge about astronomy and celebrate the day!
Another fun activity regarding constellations that you can perform with your kids involves creating your own constellations. You can design your constellation with pebbles and chalk outdoors or with stickers and markers indoors. Many constellations also have a history or story behind their creation. You can take this activity up a notch by encouraging your kids to come up with stories for their own constellations.
Astro Terms
Another important aspect of learning about astronomy is becoming acquainted with the numerous terminologies used by experts in the subject. It’s interesting to look around and observe how space impacts the literary and commercial worlds. Cars (Ford Taurus or Mercury Comet), candy bars (Milky Way), and accessories are named after celestial bodies and occurrences (Pulsar watches). We may also find it in literary allusions such as Luna and Sirius from Harry Potter or Nebula from Guardians of the Galaxy. This is the basic learning activity we can do on Astronomy day. So, by learning some of the astronomy terms, we can celebrate the day by knowing more about space objects.
Planetariums
Modern astronomers employ similar strategies as ancient ones to navigate space. A great way to learn about these techniques is to visit a planetarium. Planetariums play an important role in boosting science literacy by displaying intriguing discoveries in astronomy and space research. Hence, there is no better way to spend the International Astronomy Day than by enhancing or sharing your knowledge among people.
Summing It Up!
International Astronomy Day allows astronomy amateurs and experts to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for outer space with the general public. There are several ways to celebrate this amazing day, one of which is to incorporate learning about space into other areas of interest. Furthermore, because we are always learning about space, there is a constant flood of fresh information and discoveries to keep our imaginations fueled and minds occupied. Thus, there will be no shortage of innovative ways to spend any International Astronomy Day in future.
To know more about the space and the solar system, click here.
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