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National Moon Day

The celestial body that brightens up our nightscape with its enigmatic glow and phases, inspiring poets, artists, and scientists alike.

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Leverage the Apollo legacy and space exploration nostalgia to drive engagement with planetariums, documentaries, and STEM-focused experiences during July.

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  • Behind-the-scenes Apollo 11 footage marathons and streaming promotions
  • Planetarium ticket discounts and 'moon gazing' event partnerships
  • User-generated content: share your moon photos or space memories
  • Educational webinars on lunar science and space exploration history
History

In order to understand the history of National Moon Day, we first need to understand the history of such space expeditions. On the 25th of May in 1969, it was announced by John F. Kennedy, who was president at the time, that the Apollo space program would start. This initiated NASA’s work on a manned lunar landing. He stated that it was his plant to make sure that there was an American on the Moon by the end of the decade.

After this, Americans were treated to the very first television images of the surface of the moon. This was possible because images were transmitted by Ranger 7, which was NASA’s unmanned probe. Americans were then able to watch as Apollo 8 repeated its orbit ten times around the moon. This was the first manned flight.

The historic first took place when Apollo 11 landed on the moon for the first time. The world held its breath when three men became the first humans to step onto the surface of the moon.

However, it was not all systems go, as NASA ended their Apollo program with Apollo 17. This was the final Moon landing mission, which happened in 1972.

National Moon Day was officially initiated by President Richard Nixon in 1971, but its roots go further back to a letter-writing campaign started by a man named Richard Christmas. Later, in 2021, the United Nations announced this day to be observed annually as International Moon Day.

In recent times, we have started to see more space programs initiated, so we could start to see more space activity from now on. This has been made possible because NASA has partnered with commercial companies in order to ensure that there is the funding needed to keep these projects going.

SpaceX is a prime example. Owned by Elon Musk, this company designs manufactures and launches advanced spacecraft and rockets.

Their aim is to colonize Mars, and we have seen a lot of incredible innovations that they have brought to the fore. If you do not know a lot about this, we recommend using some of your time on National Moon Day to find out more.

How to celebrate

Visit a Planetarium

One of the best ways to do so is to head to your local planetarium. This is a great way to get up close and personal with the moon. All you need to do is a quick search online to find the nearest planetarium in your area. These are doomed theaters, which come complete with huge telescopes, enabling you to see all of the incredible objects in the sky that you cannot see with the naked eye. This will encourage you to learn more about the universe. It really is an educational, unique, and exciting experience. There is so much to learn!

Enjoy a Moon Landing Film

Another way to celebrate National Moon Day is by watching a film about landing on the moon. There have been a number of different films and movies that have been created about this incredible event, so we definitely recommend checking some of them out. The obvious place to start is with Apollo 11. This film was directed by Todd Douglass Miller, usually powerful visuals to retell the story of man’s first trip to the moon. It includes images such as Neil Armstrong being reflected in Buzz Aldrin’s helmet, the American flag being planted on the lunar surface, and the blast-off moment. You may think that this is simply going to be another remake of a story that you have heard about plenty of times, but it is more than this. It actually uses sound and never-before-seen footage from the mission, which has somehow been scanned and restored. This means you get to enjoy the occasion from a whole new perspective, which is incredibly interesting to say the least. There are a number of other interesting films about landing on the moon. Another one to consider is The Dish, which was released back in 2000. Although a true story, it does have a bit of fiction mixed in as well. It tells the story of how an Australian observatory played a critical role in ensuring everyone around the globe would be able to watch the first steps that humankind took on the moon. Other movies to consider include First Man, The Last Man on the Moon, and For All Mankind.

Join an Astronomy Club

Aside from the suggestions we have already mentioned, why not see if there are any astronomy clubs in your local area? If so, there are bound to be some events that are going on for National Moon Day. You will have the perfect opportunity to enjoy a discussion with people who share the same passion. If you do not have an astronomy club in your area, do a bit of digging online to see if you can unearth any interesting forums where you will be able to engage in discussions with people who are passionate about astronomy. We are sure that a lot of people will also be posting on social media on National Moon Day, so why not get involved in the discussion and share your own opinions as well?

FAQ
Did you know the Moon has its own time zone?
Yes, it’s called “Lunar Standard Time.” Scientists proposed it to coordinate activities during lunar missions. This system divides a lunar day into 30 lunar cycles, each lasting 24 Earth hours. It helps astronauts keep track of time on the Moon’s surface.
Why do some cultures associate the Moon with rabbits?
In East Asian folklore, people see a rabbit in the Moon’s patterns. The “Moon Rabbit” is believed to live there, pounding the elixir of life. This myth is especially popular in China and Japan.
Is it true that a full Moon can affect human behavior?
Many believe the full Moon influences moods and actions, a concept known as the “lunar effect.” However, scientific studies have found no concrete evidence supporting this idea.
What is the significance of the Moon in Islamic culture?
The Islamic calendar is lunar-based. The sighting of the new Moon determines the start of months, including Ramadan. This practice emphasizes the Moon’s importance in Islamic rituals.
How do Native American tribes name full Moons?
Many Native American tribes have unique names for each full Moon, reflecting seasonal changes. For example, the Algonquin tribes call the January full Moon the “Wolf Moon.”
What is a “Blue Moon,” and how often does it occur?
A “Blue Moon” refers to the second full Moon in a calendar month. This rare event happens approximately once every 2.7 years, leading to the phrase “once in a blue Moon.”
Did ancient civilizations have Moon gods or goddesses?
Yes, many did. For instance, the Greeks worshipped Selene as the Moon goddess, while the Egyptians revered Thoth as the Moon god. These deities played crucial roles in their respective mythologies.
Why do some people believe the Moon is made of cheese?
This humorous myth dates back to at least the 16th century. It’s thought to have originated from the Moon’s appearance, with its cratered surface resembling the holes in certain cheeses.
What is a “Supermoon,” and how does it differ from a regular full Moon?
A “Supermoon” occurs when a full Moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter. This event can enhance tidal effects but is primarily a visual spectacle.
How did the Moon influence early timekeeping?
Ancient civilizations used the Moon’s phases to develop lunar calendars. These calendars were essential for agricultural planning and religious ceremonies, highlighting the Moon’s role in early timekeeping.