May 2: International Astronomy Day
Every year, International Astronomy Day is celebrated twice a year. Once on September 26 and other on May 2. On this day, astronomical institutions, planetariums, museums organize fun filled activities and spread awareness about the world of astronomy.
Highlights
The first International Astronomy Day was celebrated in 1973. It was started by the then president of Astronomical Association of Northern California. He aimed at setting up telescope points in different urban locations. Initially the celebrations began in the United States and later it spread to other parts of the world.
National Astronomy Week
The Astronomy Day is also a part of the National Astronomy Week. The week is held in United Kingdom.
International Year of Astronomy
The International Year of Astronomy was celebrated in 2009. It was marked on 2009 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of observations of Galileo and also Kepler’s findings in 17th century. The year was coordinated by the International Astronomical Union.
In 1609, Galileo for the first time found craters and mountains on the moon that changes the perception of space.
International Astronomical Union
The IAU was founded in 1919. The main objective of the mission was to safeguard science. The IAU is a member of the International Science Council India is a member of the Union. The headquarters of the Union is located in France.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020