Astronomy Day

Infobox Holiday
holiday_name = Astronomy Day
type = secular
longtype = Scientific, Astronomical


caption =
official_name =
nickname =
observedby = Astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts
begins =
ends =
date = Saturday between mid-April and mid-May on or just before the first quarter moon
date2006 = May 6
date2007 = April 21
date2008 = May 10
date2009 = May 2
celebrations =
observances = astronomy-related events and competitions
relatedto =

Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals.

This event was started in 1973 by the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, Doug Berger. His intent was to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that passers-by could enjoys views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy.

Astronomy Day occurs on a Saturday between mid-April and mid-May, and is scheduled so as to occur at or just before the first quarter Moon. This means that the event happens on a different date each year, rather than a set calendar date. The table below shows the dates for Astronomy day:

Astronomy Day also forms part of Astronomy Week, which begins on the preceding Monday.

External links

* [http://www.astroleague.org/al/astroday/astroday.html Astro League information page on Astronomy Day]
* [http://www.rasc.ca/news/astroday07.shtml Royal Astonomical Society of Canada - Astronomy Day 2007]
* [http://www.rasc.ca/astroday/ Royal Astonomical Society of Canada - Astronomy Day 2008]