Whether it’s in the backcountry or your own backyard, one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the outdoors is to spend a night under the stars. Gazing up at the night sky gives us a sense of peace and, at the same time, an overwhelming sense of awe.
GLOBAL SLEEP UNDER THE STARS DAY HISTORY
Founded in 2020, Global Sleep Under The Stars is a unique way to encourage the world to experience the beauty of the outdoors under the same night sky, and also to celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the outdoor brand, Eddie Bauer – who has been inspiring and enabling people to live their adventure since 1920.
Let’s do this! Make a day of it on August 8th. Set up camp in your backyard, pitch a tent on the patio, bring blankets to the rooftop, or lay your sleeping bags out on the back deck and turn your gaze upward.
The celebration lands in the middle of the Perseid meteor showers! So, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, look northeast for the best view and count the shooting stars as you fall into a peaceful sleep. Make it an annual tradition and share your experiences using #SleepUnderTheStarsNight or #EBUnderTheStars on social media.
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.
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:
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.
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.
National Astronaut Day on May 5th each year celebrates Astronauts as true heroes. The day’s mission is to inspire ALL to “reach for the stars” by sharing “out of this world” Astronaut stories and experiences.On May 5th, 1961, Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space aboard the Freedom 7 Space capsule. The brief suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere. It was a milestone achievement and a trailblazing example of heroic bravery. This adventurous spirit is the essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about.
By sharing the incredible stories, experiences, and perspectives of actual Astronauts, the mission of National Astronaut Day inspires us ALL to follow our dreams. The day includes both future Astronauts and those who seek to keep their feet on the ground!
NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY HISTORY
uniphi space agency, a division of uniphi good LLC founded National Astronaut Day in 2016 to inspire everyone to reach for the stars!
Put on your space suit and practice your moonwalk. Are you ready for zero gravity? If not, just experience a little of the excitement of space. Learn about the history of space flight. Read about astronaut training or the biographies of astronauts. Some biographies to read include:
Also, watch a documentary or learn more about the International Space Station. While you are being inspired, be sure to invite someone to share the experience with you!
Visit the Official Website: www.NationalAstronautDay.comShare your favorite Astronaut stories. Use #WeBelieveInAstronauts & #NationalAstronautDay to post on social media.
National Space Day dedicates the first Friday in May to the extraordinary achievements, benefits, and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The goal of the observance is to promote math, science, technology, and engineering education in young people, The hope is to inspire them to pursue a career in science, especially a career in space-related jobs.
Careers in space involve a wide range of specialties. Going to space requires many working parts, and that’s not just the parts that go into space. All kinds of engineers build the equipment, computers and make the computations.
Accountants and public relations manage the books and the press. Meteorologists, chemists, physicists, and biologists analyze data and doctors monitor the health of the astronauts. As preparations are underway, photographers and writers record the events.
While we’ve only been exploring space for less than 60 years, we continue to learn so much. Imagine all the roles in space you can fill. While we’ve named a few here, how many more careers can you name? Do you know which one is yours?
NATIONAL SPACE DAY HISTORY
In 1997, Lockheed Martin Corporation created National Space Day as a one-day event. In 2001, due to its extreme popularity, former astronaut and senator John Glenn expanded Space Day to International Space Day.
Teachers, students, space-related organizations, groups, and agencies hold celebrations, demonstrations, and educational programs each year. The day has grown rapidly in recent years and is celebrated worldwide as International Space Day. Join an event near you. Other ways to celebrate include:
Build a model rocket and launch it.
Watch your favorite launch. Is it the Hubble Space Telescope, Apollo 11, or SpaceX Falcon 9?
Look for the International Space Station as it orbits the Earth.
Get involved by sharing your knowledge and skills, too! Host an event and share your experiences. Share your favorite space pictures using #NationalSpaceDay
