National Astronomy Day

Look up and explore the wonders of the universe on National Astronomy Day! This special day celebrates the science of astronomy and encourages people to discover the beauty and mysteries of the night sky. From stargazing to learning about planets and galaxies, astronomy opens our minds to the vastness of space and our place in the cosmos.

History & Origins

Many national observances in the United States were established through proclamations, grassroots movements, or legislative actions to bring attention to important causes and celebrations.

Why It Matters

National observances help unite communities around shared values and important causes, fostering national identity and civic engagement.

How to Celebrate

Go stargazing in a dark location away from city lights. Visit a planetarium or observatory for educational programs. Learn about constellations and how to identify them. Use a telescope or binoculars to observe the moon and planets. Join astronomy clubs or attend stargazing events in your community.

Fun Facts

• There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on Earth
• The sun is 93 million miles away from Earth
• Light from the sun takes 8 minutes to reach Earth
• There are over 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe
• Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, dating back thousands of years