International Astronomy Day 2023: Know date, history and other interesting facts here

International Astronomy Day 2023: International Astronomy Day, often known as Astronomy Day, is celebrated twice a year. The Saturday closest to the first moon quarter is celebrated twice a year: autumn and spring. The next Astronomy Day will be held on September 23, 2023.

International Astronomy Day 2023: History 

Astronomy Day was first celebrated in California in 1973. Doug Berger, the then-president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, decided to install telescopes in bustling metropolitan areas rather than attempting to get people to drive significant distances to visit observatory open houses. 

On a Saturday between the middle of April and the middle of May, Astronomy Day takes place on or near the first quarter moon. In 2007, Astronomy Day was expanded to include the autumn. It was intended to occur on a Saturday, ideally on or around the first quarter Moon, sometime between the middle of September and the middle of October. 

International Astronomy Day 2023: Date

The next Astronomy Day will be held on September 23, 2023. It was last observed on April 29 this year. 

International Astronomy Day 2023: Facts about Astronomy and Space 

• For a very long time, it was thought that Earth was the only planet with liquid water. However, NASA recently made public the strongest evidence to date that there is sporadic running water on Mars. 
• The sand, ice, and carbon dioxide that make up comets are left behind from the birth of our solar system, which happened around 4.5 billion years ago. 
• Venus is the hottest planet.
• Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune do not have a solid surface, hence you cannot walk on them.
• On Mars, the temperature can range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees C) around your head to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees C) at your feet.