The 14th of April is National Look Up at the Sky Day, and here are some historical moments, aurora light facts, and celebration ideas. We frequently hurry through the weekdays in anticipation of the weekend, and then rush through the weekend before dreading its conclusion. When was the last time you paused to observe the sky? Did you know that a cloud can weigh up to 1.1 million pounds and that a star’s colour is dependent on its temperature? Although the sky is enthralling, we barely even notice it.
The background of National Look Up at the Sky Day
Some believe National Look Up at the Sky Day began in honour of Jack Borden, a former Boston journalist who left his day job after what he considered to be his first look at the sky. In the 1980s, he founded the non-profit For Spacious Skies so that others could see what he had witnessed that day. The organisation teaches children and adults to appreciate the majesty of nature in the present rather than passing through life without noticing it. Students who were more aware of the heavens excelled in reading, writing, music, and the visual arts, according to a Harvard study. Borden believed that the more one observed the sky, the greater their appreciation for it.
Numerous astronomers throughout history have been captivated by the mysteries the heavens conceals. The sky is believed to have religious and mythological significance, as well as to bring both good and evil. Astronomy is the earliest of the natural sciences. The ancient Mayans believed that celestial objects were gods and closely tied their calendars to their study of astronomy. The earliest known mention of the aurora was in China in 2600 B.C., and it was given the name aurora borealis by Galileo Galilei in 1619 A.D., after the Roman deity Aurora. Sailors used the constellations to navigate, and the sun was their only means of measuring time. NASA, a vital organisation for astronomical data, was established in 1958 and continues to gather new information about space. National Look Up at the Sky Day helps us remember that we are surrounded by significant history and to be more cognizant of its presence.
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DAY OF NATIONAL SKYWATCHING ACTIVITIES
Spend time in nature
Soak up Vitamin D by going on a walk to get a better view of the sky and surrounding area, by having a picnic and describing the outlines of passing clouds, or by watching the sunset.
Join a society for astronomy.
Check if there are astronomy clubs or organisations in your area if you are searching for nocturnal activities. In celebration of Look Up at the Sky Day, many will host stargazing gatherings.
Engage in bird-watching
There are over 10,000 avian species. Why not spend some time attempting to identify as many as you can?
5 AURORA BOREALIS Facts That Will Astound You
Aristotle once researched auroras and compared them to gas flames.
A Danish astrophysicist asserts that the Northern Lights continually circle the North Pole.
Auroras are so brilliant that they are visible from space stations and even another planet.
Different types of gas particulates alter the hues of auroras.
Auroras have been observed on planets such as Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, and Uranus by astronomers.
NATIONAL LOOK UP AT THE SKY DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | April 14 | Friday |
2024 | April 14 | Sunday |
2025 | April 14 | Monday |
2026 | April 14 | Tuesday |
2027 | April 14 | Wednesday |