Astronomy Day 2018: Everything you need to know

  • Astronomy Day is a biannual awareness date for astronomy enthusiasts to enjoy
  • According to the Astronomical League, it's observed once in spring and the fall
  • Astronomy Day was first observed in 1973, created by a man called Doug Berger

By CAITLYN HITT

Published: | Updated:

Get out your telescopes because it's just about time to celebrate Astronomy Day!

The biannual awareness day is meant for celestial experts and novices alike to interact and enjoy the wonders of our vast universe. 

You can celebrate at home on your own or head out to an astronomical society, planetarium or museum for an event organized to celebrate the day.

Astronomy Day has been observed biannually since 1973 when Doug Berger founded it as a way to get people more interested in the natural science

Astronomy Day has been observed biennially since 1973 when Doug Berger founded it as a way to get people more interested in the natural science

Are you crazy about the cosmos? Here's what you need to know about Astronomy Day 2018.

What is Astronomy Day?

Astronomy Day is an awareness date observed the world over. It occurs twice a year — once in the spring and again in the fall. The date is determined by the first quarter moon of each respective season.

Astronomy Day was started by Doug Berger in 1973. At the time, he was the Astronomical Association of Northern California president. He intended to set up telescopes in busy locations so that passersby might stop to take a look and appreciate the views. 

In the years since, Astronomy Day has expended and is more widely observed. 

When is Astronomy Day 2018?

Astronomy Day is observed biannually. The first occurrence of it will come on April 21, 2018. The second will happen on October 13, 2018.

Astronomy Day events near me

There are dozens of Astronomy Day events occurring around the United States. They range from parties at local observatories to gatherings around high-powered telescopes.

City of Wildomar Astronomy Night

Astronomy enthusiasts in Wildomar, California, are invited to enjoy presentations on basic principals of astronomy, raffles, and other fun happenings at Marna O'Brien Park. The event is sponsored by a local astronomy club.  

National Astronomy Day at miSci

New Yorkers can celebrate Astronomy Day with an event at the Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) in Schenectady, New York. The event kicks off at 11am ET with a meteorite show and tell, and continues with family-friendly fun all day. 

From 8pm ET to 9pm ET attendees can enjoy a night sky observation hosted by the Rising Star Interns. 

The event costs $10.50 for adults, $7.50 for kids between the ages of three and 12 and $9 for people aged 65 or older. It's free for museum members. 

City Wide Star Party

Wannabe astronomers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, can gather in various locations for a stargazing party organized by local astronomy clubs and Franklin Institute volunteers. 

For locations, times and other information, click here. 

Interstellar Saturday

Interstellar Saturday in Macon, Georgia, will kick off at 1pm ET with a telescope clinic and continue until 4:45pm ET. Other events include planetarium presentations at 2pm ET and 4pm ET. More information here.

Don't see your city listed? Find a full list of Astronomy Day events here. 

What is astronomy?

Astronomy is a natural science that studies celestial occurrences, space and the universe. 

NASA astronomy picture of the day

NASA's astronomy picture of the day can be found here. It changes daily, as suggested in the title. 

You'll find an explanation for each photo at the bottom as well as information about the following day's image.

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