National Space Day is observed on the first Friday of May, which is May 5 this year. It was designed to motivate us all to pursue knowledge and progress. There is so much happening in the universe that it merits a day to contemplate everything! Though it’s doubtful you’ll be able to celebrate National Space Day in outer space, you can still participate in your own corner of the universe by utilising our gravity-defying facts, figures, and suggestions for getting involved.
The background of National Space Day
We could say that the history of National Space Day begins with the Big Bang, when intense pressure and temperature caused the universe to explode into existence.
Since then, the inquisitive have been captivated by space and the sensation of being so close and yet so far away. The ancient Greeks were the first to study planets and stars in a manner approximating modern astronomy. Earlier civilizations believed that celestial objects were gods or spirits. Although the heliocentric system was first proposed by the ancient Greeks, it wasn’t developed and published until 1543, when Copernicus described how the planets revolve around the sun.
Galileo Galilei advanced astronomy in the 17th century, despite opposition from his patrons, colleagues, and even the Pope. He is often referred to as the “father of astronomy” due to his ardent pursuit of the field against the wishes of his patrons, colleagues, and even the Pope. Although he spent much of his life under house arrest for his work, he invented crucial equipment for observing space and proving his theories.
When the space race between America and Russia began during the Cold War, space was still a contentious issue centuries later. The two nations competed to be the first to accomplish space flight and ultimately land a man on the moon. Apollo 11 and its crew of astronauts claimed triumph when they landed on the moon on July 16, 1969.
John Glenn, a former astronaut and senator, expanded National Space Day to International Space Day in 2001 due to its immense notoriety, which began in 1997 with Lockheed Martin as a one-time event.
Suns, stars, moons, and innumerable universes. How can we even attempt to describe the vastness of space? Space’s true beauty lies in the fact that, despite its infinity, it conceals millions of billions of secrets, each of which is vital and keeps everything in position. Humans have barely scratched the surface of the mysteries contained within this infinite void we call space. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate and be amazed by what we do know.
National Space Day is observed annually on the first Friday of May by scientists, astronomers, astronauts, science enthusiasts, and others in celebration of the mysteries of space and beyond. During this annual observance, there is much to discuss and learn about space; from television documentaries to online forums, everyone can benefit from learning about space.
The history of space is older than life on Earth and dates back to the Big Bang, which launched life, time, and existence into existence. Lockheed Martin initiated the annual celebration of space on Earth in 1997 to promote space and STEM disciplines among young people.
Senator John Glenn, a former astronaut, expanded the National Space Day celebrations in 2001, encouraging everyone to participate and learn about space exploration.
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NATIONAL SPACE DAY ACTIVITIES
Observe the constellations.
Stargazing provides a window into the vastness of the universe at night. Knowing the constellations is also helpful for navigating home.
Test gravity
Gravity is what suspends the Earth and prevents us from plummeting towards the sun. By lowering objects and observing their descent, you can observe the effects of gravity on objects of varying masses. Just don’t attempt it with anything breakable!
Watch your preferred space films
There are numerous options that will make you feel as though you are weightless and exploring the final frontier.
5 SPACE FACTS THAT WILL EXPAND YOUR UNIVERSE
As there is no atmosphere, wind, or precipitation to wipe them away, the footprints of astronauts who land on the moon or elsewhere in space will remain for hundreds of millions of years.
Neutron stars with a radius of about six miles and a mass several times that of the sun can revolve up to 600 times per second.
This statement from the film “Alien” is entirely accurate: since there is no atmosphere in space, there is no means for sound to travel, so nothing can be heard.
On Earth, air and water particles prevent metal from fusing, so we use heat to bind metal together. In space, however, where nothing separates the atoms of two metals, they fuse upon contact.
According to research conducted by Yale University scientists, the surface of planet 55 Cancri e is composed of diamond and graphite.
NATIONAL SPACE DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | May 6 | Friday |
2023 | May 5 | Friday |
2024 | May 3 | Friday |
2025 | May 2 | Friday |
2026 | May 1 | Friday |