Astronomy Day


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

History

This event was started in 1973 by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California. His intent was to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that passersby could enjoy views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy.
Astronomy Day also forms part of National Astronomy Week, which begins on the preceding Monday.
Originally, Astronomy Day occurred on a Saturday between mid-April and mid-May, and was scheduled so as to occur at or close to the first quarter Moon. In 2007, an autumn rendition of Astronomy Day was added. It was scheduled to occur on a Saturday between mid-September and mid-October so as to be on or close to the first quarter Moon.

Future events

The lunar influence on the schedule means that the events happen on a different date each year, rather than set calendar dates. The table below shows the dates for up coming Astronomy Days:
This event has been canceled in 2020 due to the global pandemic of COVID-19 virus.
YearSeasonAstronomy DayFirst Quarter Moon
2020SpringMay 2April 30
2020AutumnSeptember 26September 23
2021SpringMay 15May 19
2021AutumnOctober 9October 12
2022SpringMay 7May 8
2022AutumnOctober 1October 2
2023SpringApril 29April 27
2023AutumnSeptember 22September 22
2024SpringMay 18May 15
2024AutumnOctober 12October 10
2025SpringMay 3May 4
2025AutumnSeptember 27September 29

Past events

YearSeasonAstronomy DayFirst Quarter Moon
2005SpringApril 16April 16
2006SpringMay 6May 5
2007SpringApril 21April 24
2008alexaMay 10May 12
2009SpringMay 2May 1
2010SpringApril 24April 21
2010AutumnOctober 16October 14
2011SpringMay 7May 10
2011AutumnOctober 1October 3
2012SpringApril 28April 30
2012AutumnOctober 20October 21
2013SpringApril 20April 18
2013AutumnOctober 13October 11
2014SpringMay 10May 7
2014AutumnOctober 4October 1
2015SpringApril 25April 25
2015AutumnSeptember 19September 21
2016SpringMay 14May 13
2016AutumnOctober 8October 9
2017SpringApril 29May 2
2017AutumnSeptember 30September 27
2018SpringApril 21April 22
2018AutumnOctober 13October 16
2019SpringMay 11May 11
2019AutumnOctober 5October 5