National Astronomy Day puts the universe in your hands. This year, on April 21 and October 13, celebrate the skies with your local astronomy institution.
By Astronomy Staff |
Published: March 28, 2018 | Last updated on May 18, 2023
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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.
Would you like us to add your event to the list? Email us with your event location, venue, and website if available.
Location: San Francisco, CA Venue: The California Academy of Sciences Details:website
Location: Palatine, IL Venue: Harper College (Building Z) Details:website
Location: Golden Pond, KY Venue: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Details:website & Facebook
Location: Baton Rouge, LA Venue: Louisiana Art & Science Museum Details:website
Location: Baton Rouge, LA Venue: Highland Road Park Observatory Details:website, email, phone: 225-768-9948
Location: Schenectady, NY Venue: The Dudley Observatory at miSci Details:website
Location: Corvallis, OR Venue: Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Details:website
International Dark-Sky Association
This year’s spring National Astronomy Day also coincides with International Dark Sky Week 2018, April 15-21, 2018. Visit the IDA website for more information and public outreach resources.
Why wait for Astronomy Day? Click HERE to learn more about planning a star party with two free downloadable guides from the Astronomy Foundation.
