We are all astronomers — after all, the sky is right above us, and it’s free to observe. But while the sky is ideally accessible to all, encroaching light pollution has made it more difficult to truly enjoy the Moon, planets, and stars, let alone deeper sky objects.
National Astronomy Day is a step closer to the stars by “bringing astronomy to the people.” Created in 1973 by Doug Berger, then president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, this biannual celebration focuses on bringing the cosmos down to Earth in urban areas with star parties and traveling telescopes. During National Astronomy Day, we can all become observers, with events across America and throughout the world.
In 2018, National Astronomy Day takes place April 21 and again October 13. If you’d like to learn more, check out the events listed below or contact your local observatory, planetarium, or astronomy club to find out whether there are events planned in your area. You can also click through
Astronomy’s
online event calendar for other astronomy-related activities, lectures, and more near you.
