Astronomy Day

Happy Astronomy Day, everyone!

Astronomy Day is a day for astronomy enthusiasts and professionals to celebrate and promote an interest in the field. I'm a bit of a space nut, so this day gets me excited. 

Astronomy Day was created by Doug Berger in 1973. At that time, Berger was the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California. He wanted to install telescopes in various urban areas so passersby could enjoy views of the heavens. 

Astronomy Day doesn't fall on a consistent set day of the year because of the lunar cycle. Astronomy Day falls on a Saturday between mid-April and mid-May that is close to or on the first quarter Moon of the year. For example, in 2006, Astronomy Day fell on May 6 because that was a Saturday near the first quarter Moon of the season, which was on May 5. This year, it happened on May 15.

In 2007, the first autumn Astronomy Day was celebrated. This Astronomy Day is held between mid-September and mid-October to, like the spring one, be on a Saturday on or near the first Quarter moon of the season.

So, enjoy this day and spend some time looking up at the stars! Thanks for reading this blog entry! See you next time!