This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Moon Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Moon Day is observed on July 20th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Moon Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you may want to know about National Moon Day.
📅 What day is National Moon Day 2024?
In 2024, National Moon Day is on Thursday, July 20th. It is the 3rd Thursday in July; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all fascinating details and facts about July 20, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon and uttered his famous words, the whole world felt a sense of relief. National Moon Day is a celebration of not just this incredible achievement on July 20, 1969, but also the challenges faced in making the space program a reality. This day allows us to remember both the amusing and important moments in the race to space, which ultimately led to the United States planting their flag on the moon. If you’re intrigued, continue reading because this story is fascinating!
📜 National Moon Day History
In 1961, President Kennedy addressed Congress and expressed his belief that the United States should commit to the ambitious goal of landing a man on the moon and bringing him back safely before the end of the decade. This idea sparked the mission to send astronauts to the moon. Kennedy’s plan gained support because it coincided with the space exploration rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. After years of hard work by NASA’s team of engineers and scientists, the first unmanned Apollo mission was successfully launched to test the strength of the spacecraft. On July 16, 1969, three men, led by Neil Armstrong, lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center aboard Apollo 11. After three days, the spacecraft entered lunar orbit and Armstrong, along with Aldrin, separated from the command module in their lunar module called Eagle. Armstrong radioed Mission Control to announce the historic moment when the Eagle landed on the moon. Armstrong then descended from the module and at 10:56 p.m., he famously said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” as the whole world anxiously watched the event through television broadcasts.
✅ National Moon Day Facts
🔖 Wright Brothers along for the ride
Armstrong felt it was important to showcase the progression of aviation, so he carried a small wooden fragment from one of the planes built by the Wright Brothers.
🔖 High drama
When the Lunar Module touched down, it had very little fuel left.
🔖 Three African-American women got us there
Katherine Johnson, along with two other African American women, played a vital role in determining the trajectory of NASA’s journey to the moon during its historic first lunar landing. This remarkable story was brought to light in 2016 through the film Hidden Figures, directed by Theodore Melfi and written by Allison Schroeder.
👍 Why Is National Moon Day Important
It’s dubbed the “Big Whack”! When a massive Mars-sized asteroid collided with Earth 4.6 billion years ago, a cloud of melted rock was flung into orbit, surrounding the planet. When the cloud cooled, it broke up into smaller bits that merged to create our moon.
Although the moon is the brightest object visible in the night sky, its diameter is approximately one-quarter that of Earth, but with less gravity. If you weigh 150 pounds, you would only weigh 25 pounds on the moon. Furthermore, our moon is not the biggest in the cosmos. The moon is merely the sixth biggest object in our solar system.
The moon experiences earthquakes (or, in this instance, moonquakes) that occasionally generate cracks through which gases escape. Isn’t this unusual terrain for the Apollo crew to go through?
🙂 How To Observe National Moon Day
⚡ Make plans to see the next lunar eclipse
⚡ Visit your local planetarium
If you’re interested in getting a closer look at the moon, consider visiting your nearby planetarium. Equipped with large telescopes, these dome-shaped theaters display breathtaking images of the night sky, revealing countless beautiful objects that are often invisible to the naked eye. Exploring a planetarium allows us to deepen our understanding of the universe and our place within it as human beings. Additionally, a trip to the planetarium offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience where we can learn about astronomy and other related subjects.
⚡ Hang out with your local astronomy club
Prepare for a nocturnal spectacle! Make a note of the upcoming lunar eclipse in your calendar. Bring a picnic basket full of delicacies, a blanket, binoculars, or a telescope, and head out to your favorite viewing location. Enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular displays!
📅 When is National Moon Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2023 | July 20 | Thursday |
| 2024 | July 20 | Saturday |
| 2025 | July 20 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 20 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 20 | Tuesday |
Explore all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 American holidays.
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