The Milky Way framed by Double Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, United States

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Let's celebrate the cosmos. Happy International Astronomy Day!

Ever wondered what Saturn's rings look like through a telescope? Or how astronomers spot distant galaxies? International Astronomy Day is the perfect time to find out! This annual event, first launched in 1973, is all about 'Bringing Astronomy to the People'—the official theme of Astronomy Day. From local parks to astronomy clubs, museums and observatories, visitors can enjoy activities like telescope viewings, space talks and even Moon gravity simulators!

The idea started when Doug Berger, an astronomer in California, decided to take telescopes to busy public spaces rather than wait for people to visit observatories. It worked—people got hooked on stargazing! Astronomy Day is celebrated worldwide, with events in countries like Canada, Sweden and Argentina, among many others. Today is the day to explore the universe. Find a telescope and celebrate the cosmos!