The annual holiday commemorates the anniversary of the first manned mission to the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Americans astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to step foot on the surface of the Moon.
In 1984, the day was proclaimed a holiday by United States President Ronald Reagan. The fifth manned mission of NASA's Apollo program, Apollo 11 was launched from Florida on July 16. It returned to Earth with the 3 astronauts - Armstrong, Aldrin, and Michael Collins on July 24.
Moon Day
The holiday, which is also sometimes called Moon Day, encourages people to learn more about space exploration. It attempts to inspire young adults to consider space sciences and space exploration as careers.
Everything you need to know about the Moon
How to Celebrate?
- Visit your local space and science museums and spend the day there learning about space and our astronomical neighbors.
- Join an astronomy club and participate in their Space Exploration Day activities.
- If you have young children in your life, get them interested in space and related fields by reading them books about space and space technology.
Did You Know...
...that 12 people, including Armstrong and Aldrin, have walked on the surface of the Moon?
Space Exploration Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sun | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2026 | Mon | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2027 | Tue | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2028 | Thu | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2029 | Fri | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2030 | Sat | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2031 | Sun | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2032 | Tue | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2033 | Wed | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |
| 2034 | Thu | Jul 20 | Space Exploration Day |