World Space Week - History and Interesting Facts

Is there anything more interesting than learning about our space? The more you learn about the space, the deeper you get into something interesting. For decades, space scientists have been studying space and its mysteries. However, one thing is for sure; we will never be able to get the complete secrets it holds. So, if you are one of those space enthusiasts, visiting the observatory is the best thing to do. The best time to visit the observatory is during the first Friday of each May when each space boffins and science fans celebrate National Space Day.

When is National Space Day celebrated?

If you are wondering the world space week is observed on which date? In 2023, National Space Day will be celebrated on the 5th of May, and it is the best day to learn about space and its hidden secrets. There is so much to learn about our space that you would keep waiting for the National Space Day, and get ready to go beyond the heavens, where the Earth turns into Pale Blue Dot, and the infinite universe stretches that you could never imagine. So National Space Day is something you need to celebrate.

National Space Day History and Significance

If we get into National Space Day history, it dates back to the beginning of the universe when the Big Bang made it to the universe and got everything into action. National Space Day began in 1997 as just plain National Space Day by the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

The day was designed to allow people to take in the myriad wonders of the vast, uncharted space that our planet and countless others float in. Additionally, it will stimulate youngsters' increased interest in the scientific discipline. Senator John Glenn, a former astronaut himself, renamed the day National Space Day in 2001 to broaden the scope of the worldwide celebration.

National Space Day Timeline

Below is the overall National Space Day Timeline over the decades-

The Big Bang

Around 13, 800,000,000 years ago, the universe exploded into existence, which according to scientist is the Big Bang. It was the period of intense heat that caused the explosion.

1543- We Moved Around the Sun

In the year 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus proposed Heliocentric System in which all planets and orbit turn daily.

In 1957- Success of Satellite

In the year 1957, Sputnik became the very first artificial satellite to reach space and sending the first-ever signal back to the earth.

1969- First People Landed on the Moon

In the 1969, Apollo 11 successfully landed on the moon and its crew was the first to walk on the moon surface.

National Space Day

Also Read: Can We Reach the End of Space?

Some of the Activities to Follow on World Space Day

As we know which day is celebrated as space day, it is crucial to know how World Space Day is celebrated. You can do many activities on national space day and enjoy gaining knowledge about outer space. Check out some space-related books at your neighborhood library to discover more about your preferred planets or space travel. You can check out all books and other resources related to the space. 

Additionally, specific libraries may even host gatherings with special guest lectures from authorities on everything space-related. Remind them and take them along if any of your friends have no idea about world space week being observed on which date. Some other national space day activities you can do are-

• Stare at Stars at the Observatory

Stargazing provides a view into the immense universe as darkness falls. Finding your way home is made easier by knowing your constellations. Visit the nearest observatory and enjoy the star gazing and go beyond.

• Testing Gravity

The Earth is suspended by gravity, preventing us from colliding with the sun. You can observe how gravity affects items of various masses by dropping objects and watching them fall. Just be careful not to try it with fragile items!

• Watch Some Space Movies

So many excellent ones are available on the net, which presents space that will give you the impression that you are floating above the final frontier. Feel free to cuddle up on the couch and watch some space documentaries once you're all out. You're in luck if documentaries aren't your thing. Instead, put on some classic and renowned space films, like Star Wars or Interstellar, to escape to a brand-new universe in this galaxy or one that is far, far away. Hollywood has always been fascinated with space.

• Listen to Podcast

Whatever interest you may have in extraterrestrial subjects, listen to some exciting podcasts available. Then, visit a science center and familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each planet in our solar system. Even if you read the work of astronauts over the years, make sure you don't harm yourself by dismissing what Carl Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Stephen Hawking have to say because their works represent the voices in theories about life, the universe, and everything.

• Check the NASA Website 

See what NASA offers by visiting their website or social media accounts. Even the International Space Station has a feed showing what is straight beyond the pitch-black void. If you're fortunate, you might encounter something that sparks your curiosity and inspires you to want to learn more about the subject.

Some Interesting Outer Space Facts

There are some interesting outer space facts that can make your national space day celebration exciting. Some of these are:

• Footprints Last Forever

As there is no atmosphere, wind, or water in and around the space, the footprints of astronauts who land on the moon or anyplace else in space will stay present for hundreds of millions of years.

• No One will hear the Scream

The storyline from the film "Alien" is entirely accurate: since space has no atmosphere, sound cannot travel there and cannot be heard.

• Metal Fuses Instantly

In space, where there is nothing to keep the atoms of two metals apart, they fuse together when they come into contact. On Earth, air and water particles prevent metal from fusing, so we need heat to join metal together.

Conclusion

National Space Day honours humankind's explorations of the universe, the advancement of science, and the wonders lying beyond our atmosphere. Learning about the space will certainly help you to understand what lies at the outer space.