This year on July 20, 2023 International Moon Day Celebrated in The World
Why Moon Day?
The General Assembly declared International Moon Day, a United Nations-designated international day to be observed annually on 20 July, in its resolution 76/76 on “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space” in 2021.
International Moon Day marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission.
The celebrations will also consider the achievements of all States in the exploration of the Moon and raise public awareness of sustainable Moon exploration and utilization
History of International Moon Day
For thousands of years, human civilizations have looked up to the sky pondering the origin and mysteries of the Moon – our only natural satellite. Ground-based observations enabled by the invention of the first telescopes opened a new chapter in our understanding of our celestial companion.
With the birth of space activities, the Moon became the ultimate destination of countless missions, including crewed flights that brought the first human footprints to another place in the universe.
As Moon exploration efforts continue taking shape with ambitious plans, this global celebration will serve not only as a reminder of success in the past, but as an annual testimony to future endeavours.
What is the significance of International Moon Day?
In collaboration with UNOOSA, International Moon Day became an annual celebration all around the world. As per Moon Village Association, International Moon Day is an opportunity to inform the public, promote, and raise each year, at the global level, awareness of the situation and prospects for humanity, the sustainable Moon Exploration and Utilisation, and the need to act jointly to regulate activities on and around the Moon.
International Moon Day serves as a reminder that space exploration is still taking place today, in addition to its historical significance. Technology has made amazing strides during the past 50 years, allowing us to travel farther into space than ever before. This worldwide celebration will serve as both a testament to past achievements and an ongoing reminder of the ambitious goals for future Moon exploration missions. With the blessing of the UN, this event will promote more global cooperation between global stakeholders as well as increase the participation of the next generation in achieving this aim.
About Apollo 11 Mission
The Apollo 11 mission was the historic NASA spaceflight that achieved the first manned moon landing. Launched on July 16, 1969, it carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the lunar surface in the Lunar Module "Eagle." Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon, famously saying, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind." They spent about 2.5 hours conducting experiments and collecting samples. Apollo 11's successful return to Earth on July 24, 1969, marked a significant milestone in space exploration and a momentous achievement for humanity.
This year's Moon Day is particularly significant for India because the Chandrayaan 3 mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was just successfully launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. In order to improve its voyage, Chandrayaan-3 is travelling in a circle rather than in a straight line to the moon. It is expected that the spacecraft, which was launched on July 14, will make a soft landing on the moon's surface on August 23.
After the US, Russia, and China, India will become the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon if this mission is a success
FAQ
Who created Moon Day?
In 1971, then US President Richard Nixon proclaimed July 20 as National Moon Day to honour the anniversary of man's first moon landing.
When did International Moon Day start?
International Moon Day (IMD) was declared on 9 December 2021 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in Resolution A/RES/76/76.
What is International Moon Day?
International Moon Day is celebrated on July 20 to mark the first landing on the moon.
