International Moon Day

Every year July 20 is observed as International Moon Day all over the globe. The day celebrates the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in a location that they then named Tranquillity Base on the same day.

Why is International Moon Day celebrated?

According to the official website, “The Moon Village Association submitted an application during the UN-COPUOS 64th Session, for the proclamation of International Moon Day on July 20, the anniversary of the 1969 first human landing, from the United States of America, with the Apollo 11 mission. The proclamation got approved on December 9 2021, by the UN General Assembly.”

In its resolution 76/76 on "International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space" in 2021, the General Assembly recognised July 20 as International Moon Day, a United Nations-approved international holiday.

The celebrations will also take into account the accomplishments of all States in lunar exploration and increase public awareness of environmentally friendly lunar exploration and utilisation.

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.