National Moon Day - 21st July, 2024 | History | Traditions | Download Images, Pictures, Wallpapers, Wishes and Quotes

As Neil Armstrong stepped onto the cratered surface of the moon with the words, “This is one small step for man, one great leap for mankind,” all nations on Earth seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. National Moon Day not only celebrates the historic moon landing on July 20, 1969 but also reminds us of the hard work of literally taking off the space program. On National Moon Day, we look back at the awful and profound moments in the space race that ended when Americans were the first to put their flag on the moon.

American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin became the first humans in history to land on the Moon on July 20, 1969. The great Apollo 11 mission took place eight years after President John F. Kennedy announced the national goal by sending a man to the moon in the late 1960s.

At the time of Kennedy's proposal, the United States still faced to face with the Soviet Union in advancing space exploration, and during the Cold War era, the proposal was welcome. The first unmanned Apollo mission was launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, after five years of effort and hard work by its team of international engineers and scientists. The first mission was a test phase of the space launch vehicle's structural strength.

The Tradition of National Moon Day

No matter how many years have passed, we will always be in awe of the first moon landing in 1969. The moon landing was a wonderful step for humanity and our understanding of the great world we live in. National Moon Day traditions include watching documentaries, reading books about the Apollo 11 mission, observing the moon, and enjoying its brilliant glow at night.

Space enthusiasts pull out their telescopes to stare at the moon and read about upcoming NASA projects and missions. National Moon Day is also celebrated in the schools where children are educated about the historical event by having the moon as the main topic.

National Moon Day is especially important for those interested in astrology and astronomy. The position of the Moon and its influence on the Earth and the moons of the planets are currently being analyzed and deepened.

How to Celebrate National Moon Day

1. Visit your local planetarium

If you really want to experience the moon personally, visit your local planetarium. These domed theatres, with their huge telescopes, display images of a starry night sky filled with countless things we might not be able to see with the naked eye. A visit to the planetarium encourages us to learn about our world and, more importantly, where we fit in as human beings. Going to the planetarium is also a unique educational experience where we can learn about astronomy and other related sciences.

2. Hang out with your local astronomy club

If you have an astronomy club on campus then don't miss the opportunity to participate in a discussion about the first moon landing or share the views through the telescope. Through the club, you can know all of the upcoming events as other like-minded souls gather there to discuss all the celestial bodies in the universe.

3. Make plans to see the next lunar eclipse

Get ready for a night's show. Put a reminder in your calendar for the upcoming lunar eclipse. Make plans to bring a picnic basket full of goodies, a blanket, binoculars, or a telescope, and head out to your favorite viewing spot. Enjoy one of the most beautiful views of nature.

National Moon Day Photos