National Space Day

Starry night sky illuminating a wide-eyed child in astronaut costume, surrounded by rockets and planets, backyard setting.. — National space day illustration

Voyage with us through the cosmic ether as we celebrate the mystery and magnificence of National Space Day! A day devoted to looking up and outward to the infinite expanse and acknowledging the wonderment that is our cosmos. With 11052 mentions in just one Earth-rotation (that's one day for those of us who aren't astronauts), the popularity of this astronomical celebration is as expansive as the cosmos itself!

When is Space Day?

It's national space day on the 3rd May.

The History of National Space Day

In a world where every day seems to be a celebration of something unique and obscure (National Toenail Clipping Day, anyone?), National Space Day stands as a celestial beacon. Kicking off in the year 1997, this astronomic appreciation day was created by Lockheed Martin, a global aerospace company with a vision of inspiring the young cadets of our planet about the wonders of the universe and space travel.

The first Friday in May sees star-gazers and astrophysicists alike, celebrating the curiosity-inciting vast expanse that surrounds our spheroid home. From the moon's mighty craters to the twinkling allure of distant galaxies, National Space Day aims to spark our fascination, promoting education about the incredible field of space exploration.

The Peak of Popularity

The biggest celebration of National Space Day to date would make even a black hole seem small. On May 3rd, 2019, the interweb was buzzing with appreciation for all things astronomical, with a whopping 11052 mentions of National Space Day recorded!

A Day to Remember

But how do we celebrate such an abstract holiday locked here on terra firma? Fear not, for, in the observance of this cosmic holiday, the possibilities are as limitless as the universe itself. Whether it's a night of stargazing, a space-themed movie marathon (E.T phone home!), or serenading the moon with a rousing rendition of 'Rocket Man', National Space Day is a chance to let our astral adoration shine.

History behind the term 'Space'

1609

The birth of modern astronomy

In 1609, Galileo Galilei made the groundbreaking discovery by using a telescope to observe the night sky. This marked the birth of modern astronomy and led to a deeper understanding of the universe. Galileo's observations also paved the way for the term 'space' as it became necessary to describe the vast expanse beyond our planet.

1957

The era of space exploration begins

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, into space. This event marked the beginning of the space age and ignited a global fascination with space exploration. The term 'space' started to gain prominence as it became the realm where humankind would venture into and explore.

1961

Human presence in space

On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human to journey into space aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. This historic milestone further solidified the importance and significance of space as a new frontier for human exploration. The term 'space' became synonymous with the realm that extended beyond Earth's atmosphere.

1969

One small step for man

The year 1969 marked a major turning point in space exploration. On July 20, NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully landed the first humans on the moon. As Neil Armstrong took his famous first step onto the lunar surface, he uttered the iconic phrase, 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.' This event not only expanded our understanding of space but also captured the collective imagination of people around the world, making 'space' a symbol of human achievement and possibility.

1998

The International Space Station

In November 1998, the first components of the International Space Station (ISS) were launched, marking a new era of international collaboration in space exploration. The ISS serves as a research laboratory and observatory where astronauts from various nations work together in microgravity. The construction and habitation of the ISS exemplify the ongoing endeavor to utilize and understand space for scientific purposes, cementing the term 'space' as an integral part of our shared global effort in exploring the cosmos.

Did you know?

Did you know that space is completely silent? That's right! In space, there's no atmosphere to carry sound waves, so you can't hear anything. So much for singing 'Rocket Man' to the moon!