NATIONAL MOON DAY

July 20, 2026July 20, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

National Moon Day on July 20th commemorates the day man first walked on the moon in 1969. NASA reported the moon landing as being “…the single greatest technological achievement of all time.”

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 carried the first humans to the moon. Six hours after landing on the moon, American Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface. He spent two and a half hours outside the spacecraft. Buzz Aldrin soon followed, stepping onto the lunar surface. After joining Armstrong, the two men collected 47.5 pounds of lunar material. Their specimens would make the journey back to Earth to be analyzed.

In the command module, a third astronaut waited. Pilot, Michael Collins, remained alone in orbit until Armstrong and Aldrin returned.

Caught up in the thrill of the adventure, millions of Americans watched the mission from Earth. Televisions around the world tuned in to the live broadcasts. The astronauts had a worldwide audience. As a result, all witnessed as Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s surface and described the event as “one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Unquestionably, putting men on the moon became a tangible achievement in the space race. It placed the United States in a role to go forth and explore into the deeper reaches of the universe, too. In the months and decades that followed, NASA and the Soviets stepped up their missions.

The day doesn’t just celebrate the landmark mission. It also celebrates future missions. Private expeditions are taking humans further into space. Armstrong’s “one small step for man” inspired imaginations and sparked innovation, too, for generations to come. Even future moon missions are planned including manned landings.

NATIONAL MOON DAY HISTORY

In 1971, President Richard Nixon proclaimed National Moon Landing Day on July 20th to honor the anniversary of man’s first moon landing. However, no continuing resolution followed.

Enter Richard Christmas. He took up the baton by launching a “Chrismas Card” writing campaign. The Michigan native wrote to governors and members of Congress in all 50 states urging them to create National Moon Day. He achieved some success, too. By July of 1975, 12 states sponsored bills observing Moon Day.

Another modern-day supporter of National Moon Day is Astronomer James J. Mullaney. He knows a few things about the moon, too. As a former Curator of Exhibits and Astronomy at Pittsburgh’s original Buhl Planetarium, Mullaney is on a mission. He says, “If there’s a Columbus Day on the calendar, there certainly should be a Moon Day!” His goal is a federally recognized holiday.

In 2019, President Donald Trump proclaimed July 20th as the 50th Anniversary Observance of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing. However, no National Moon Day has been declared.

Explore More…

National Near Miss Day
National Meteor Watch Day
National Space Day
National Create A Vacuum Day
National Moon Day
Global Sleep Under the Stars Night
National Astronaut Day
First Contact Day
Astronomy Day
National Star Wars Day
Star Trek Day
International Dark Sky Weekends
Great Worldwide Star Count
Messier Marathon
International Dalek Remembrance Day
International Observe the Moon Night
International Dark Sky Week
Global Astronomy Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMoonDay

National Moon Day opens up a lot of opportunities to explore and reminisce! Did you watch the first moon landing in 1969? How about the ones that followed? Share your memories of the moon landing. Set up your telescope and explore the moon’s surface. You can even explore the surface with a telephoto lens. As you rediscover the moon, start a discussion about space exploration. How does it impact our world today? Study the plans for future moon landings, too. What are your thoughts on more moon exploration?

While you’re celebrating, discover the people behind the moon landing. Share their stories and celebrate their achievements, too. You can also celebrate the day by reading books or watching documentaries about the Apollo 11 mission or those leading up to it:

In the Shadow of the Moon (2007) directed by David Sington
First to the Moon: The Journey of Apollo 8 (2018) directed by Paul J. Hildebrant
One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon by Charles Fishman
A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts by Andrew Chaikin
Hidden Figures by Margo Lee Shetterly

Share your discoveries and stories using #NationalMoonDay on social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA DAY

June 29, 2026May 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Social Media Day is observed annually on June 30th. In its short life, social media has redefined how people interact, communicate, and share with family, friends, and the world.

With the launch of Friendster in 2002 and MySpace in 2003, social media became mainstream. Then 2004 brought the founding of the king of social media, Facebook. Twitter encouraged us to be succinct by posting our thoughts with fewer than 140 characters. When we express ourselves better through imagery, Instagram, and Flickr offer all the sharing we can handle. And speaking of video, YouTube is the social place for everything from how-to to pop culture to what not to do with your fireworks on the 4th of July.

Social media makes it possible to stay connected and informed about those important people in our lives. Reconnecting with classmates, past work associates, and more is also a valuable part of social media. It has also made it possible to connect with ancestors and find relatives you never even knew existed. Yes, the family tree has become a social media platform as well. MyHeritage.com, Ancestry.com, and many others all supply a social platform where distant family members potentially meet and build their family trees.

DID SOMEONE SAY FOOD

The Internet has long loved food, and social media is no different. Pinterest, Tumblr, and WordPress share and socialize about the latest accessible and exciting food trends. This may be the most addicting part of social media. One moment a picture of a decadent, perfectly golden roast duck comes across your news feed. In an instant, the complete video detailing how to execute this delicacy in 17 easy steps is provided for you. One tweet later and you are off to the butcher. In a Snapchat -Instagram -Tumblr hour, you destroy your kitchen and end up with a Pinterest board titled “They Lied.”

SOCIAL MEDIA DAY HISTORY

Social Media Day was founded in 2010 by Mashable.

HOW TO OBSERVE SOCIAL MEDIA DAY

Post something on your favorite social media platform. Find a social media meetup in your area. Share your favorite meme or connect with someone you’ve not spoken to in ages. You can also discover new apps to satisfy your social media lifestyle. Check these out:

Periscope
Signal
Valence
Elpha
Yubo
23snaps
ReverbNation

While we’re talking about social media make sure you are following ours! Just click the icons here to go directly to our pages.

Use #SocialMediaDay when posting to share your favorites and remind others to celebrate.

NATIONAL METEOR WATCH DAY

June 29, 2026June 28, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

National Meteor Watch Day is observed every year on June 30th. Also known as National Meteor Day, on a cloudless night, people turn their eyes to the heavens in hopes of spotting the glow of a falling star.

Daily there are millions of meteors that occur in the Earth’s atmosphere.

When space debris, such as pieces of rock, enter the Earth’s atmosphere the friction causes the surrounding air to become scorching hot. This “shooting star” streaking through the sky surrounded by flaming hot air is a meteor.

The majority of the meteoroids that cause meteors are only the size of a pebble.

Meteors sometimes occur in showers. It’s an excellent time to plan for a meteor-watching party. Whether we catch a few stray falling stars or witness an entire meteor shower, this day calls for an evening with friends and family under the stars. Identify the constellations while waiting to make a wish or two. Sounds like a romantic night, as well.

Meteor, Meteoroid and Meteor Showers

In the Northern Hemisphere, one of the most active meteor showers is the Perseids. Named after the constellation Perseus where the majority of the activity takes place, particles released by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle cause the meteors to shower down onto Earth. One of the most impressive meteor showers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseids put on dazzling displays. Some years, on a clear night with a new moon, skywatchers view more than one meteor per minute! The Perseids are active from mid-July to late August.

Meteors are usually observed at night and are visible when they are about 34 to 70 miles above the Earth, and they often disintegrated at about 31 to 51 miles above. Their glow time is usually about a second.

Despite a large number of meteors we see, a small percent of meteoroids hit the Earth’s atmosphere and then skip back into space.

The chemical composition and the speed of the meteoroid will cause different hues to the light. Possible colors and elements producing them include:

Orange/yellow (sodium)
Yellow (iron)
Blue/green (copper)
Purple (potassium)
Red (silicate)

A list of meteor shower dates, as well as a guide to successful watching, can be found on the EarthSky website.

Explore More…

National Near Miss Day
National Meteor Watch Day
National Create A Vacuum Day
National Moon Day
Global Sleep Under the Stars Night
National Astronaut Day
First Contact Day
Astronomy Day
National Star Wars Day
International Dark Sky Weekends
Great Worldwide Star Count
Messier Marathon
International Dalek Remembrance Day
International Observe the Moon Night
International Dark Sky Week
Global Astronomy Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMeteorWatchDay

Gather some friends together, a blanket, and find a place far from the city lights on a cloudless night. Use #NationalMeteorWatchDay to share on social media.

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Sleep in Zero Gravity: Meteor Watch Day — Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture (15X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners, 300mm Professional Travel Telescope with A Smartphone Adapter& Wireless Remote

SUMMER BEGINS

June 20, 2026June 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On the longest day of the year, Summer Begins in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known as the Summer Solstice, which happens either on June 20th, 21st, or 22nd. It all depends on the time zone in which you live. This one is June 21, 2026.

With the Summer Solstice, the astronomical calendar marks the first day of summer as the Earth’s axis is pointed toward the sun. It’s rays more directly impact the Northern Hemisphere giving us more daylight and more warmth. It’s a time when plants grow rapidly and animals are more active. That includes humans.

Many schools are out of session during the summer which gives families the opportunity to take vacations. Even those without children take time to explore the outdoors through camping, hiking, and biking. Community pools open, inviting everyone to cool off on hot summer days. The beaches are open, too. Water adventures in the form of kayaking, canoeing, skiing, and fishing entice us to the rivers and lakes.

Gardners and farmers spend time cultivating their bounty and watching the skies for foul weather. And speaking of fouls – baseball, softball, and soccer teams take the field with cheering fans in every color of the rainbow.

There’s so much to do during the summer, we try to pack it all in over weekends and short breaks. But it never seems to be enough time. Before we know it, summer is over. Though, it’s only just begun.

SUMMER BEGINS HISTORY

Since ancient times, the summer solstice has been marked on calendars with celebrations honoring the sun and as a way to mark the seasons.

HOW TO OBSERVE SUMMER BEGINS

There are so many ways to enjoy the beginning of summer! Whether you spend the day hiking, reading a good book on the beach or grilling some burgers, the important thing is that you celebrate summer. Spend some time outside in the fresh air. Take a long walk and visit a local park.

How will you celebrate? Let us know by using #SummerBegins to share on social media.

National Camping Month

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Camping Month in June is an excellent time to pack up your gear and experience nature.

Whether you like roughing it or prefer to have a few modern conveniences when heading out to the trail, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

1. Make sure you have plenty of freshwater or a freshwater source.
2. Take a first aid kit and that it is stocked.
3. Pack waterproof matches.
4. Take non-perishable food such as granola bars, jerky, peanut butter, chocolate bars, and dried fruits, especially if you are not taking a cooler.
5. Pack fruits, vegetables, and meats separately and keep chilled in a cooler.
6. Include sunblock, even for cloudy days.
7. Rain gear, jackets, and blankets are necessary for cooler weather.

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Around the country, there are a variety of campsites available. The more modern campsite includes showers and recreational facilities. These often include water hookups and parking pads for RVs and campers and cabins to rent as well as more primitive sites with no electrical hookups designed for tent usage. Other parks only allow primitive camping and require everything you pack into the park to be packed out. So, seriously consider your needs if you are hiking into the park for your stay. These are not for the glampers.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCampingMonth

Gather family and friends, don’t forget the s’mores supply and go camping! Nature is calling and there are so many ways to enjoy a weekend or even more camping. Use #NationalCampingMonth to show us how you camp.

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