Date
Sunday
Jul
20

July 20

National Moon Day

Celebrate National Moon Day with a dreamy night of stargazing, moon watching, and making wishes on the stars!

Yearly Date
July 20
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Moon Day on July 20! This day marks the anniversary of when American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon in 1969. Since then, a number of other astronauts have followed suit and explored our closest celestial neighbor. On this special day, let's take a moment to appreciate all that we've learned about our amazing moon and its many secrets!

National Moon Day Timeline

1950s
Moon as a Target for Exploration
During the 1950s, the moon becomes a major focal point in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
1959
Soviets Touch the Moon
Soviet spacecraft Luna 2 becomes the first human-made object to reach the moon, crash-landing on its surface.
1961
Historic Presidential Pledge
US President John F. Kennedy makes his famous pledge to land an American on the moon within the decade.
1969
Man Walks on the Moon
On July 20, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans to walk on the moon as a part of NASA's Apollo 11 mission.
1971
First Lunar Rover
Apollo 15 astronauts drive NASA's first Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), nicknamed the “moon buggy”, exploring unprecedented amounts of the lunar surface.
1972
Final Apollo Moon Landing
Apollo 17 marks the last NASA mission that brought humans to the moon, and astronaut Eugene Cernan is the last man to walk on its surface to date.

How to Celebrate National Moon Day

1

Go stargazing

Pack a picnic and head to the nearest dark sky park or a place away from light pollution to truly appreciate the beauty of the night sky and all its stars.

2

Watch a lunar eclipse

A lunar eclipse is when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking out the Sun's light from reaching the Moon. It's an awe inspiring sight that should not be missed.

3

Build a moon castle

Head to your local beach or river and construct an impressive sandcastle inspired by the moon. Get creative and use items found in nature such as shells and driftwood.

4

Have a moonlit dinner

Celebrating National Moon Day with a romantic dinner under a starry sky is sure to make it a night to remember.

5

Read about the Moon

Take some time to learn about our closest neighbor in space, from its history and myths to its impact on culture and science.

Why National Moon Day is Important

A

It Symboizes Peace and Unity

National Moon Day is an occasion to celebrate peace, unity and humanity. The idea of people from all over the world gathering on the same night to look at the same moon is a powerful symbol of our interconnectedness as members of one global community.

B

It Highlights Important Achievements in Space Exploration

National Moon Day celebrates some of the most important achievements in space exploration history. It marks the day that humankind first set foot on the moon, a truly remarkable feat that changed the way people think about our place in the universe.

C

It Helps Us Reflect On Our Place In The Universe

National Moon Day encourages onlookers to pause and reflect on their place in the universe. It serves as a reminder of how small and insignificant we can be in comparison to the vast expanse of space around us - yet, at the same time, how connected we all are to each other and to the wider cosmos.

National Moon Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jul 19
Wednesday
2024
Jul 19
Friday
2025
Jul 19
Saturday
2026
Jul 19
Sunday
2027
Jul 19
Monday