Astronomy Day
Astronomy Day is a grass roots movement to share the joy of astronomy with the general population - "Bringing Astronomy to the People." Or it is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals
On Astronomy Day, thousands of people who have never looked through a telescope will have an opportunity to see firsthand what has so many amateur and professional astronomers all excited. Astronomy clubs, science museums, observatories, universities, planetariums, laboratories, libraries, and nature centers host special events and activities to acquaint their population with local astronomical resources and facilities. It is an astronomical PR event that helps highlight ways the general public can get involved with astronomy - or at least get some of their questions about astronomy answered. Astronomy Week is the same concept as Astronomy Day except seven times longer.
This event was started in 1973 by the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, Doug Berger. His intent was to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that passers-by could enjoys views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy. Astronomy Day occurs on a Saturday between mid-April and mid-May, and is scheduled so as to occur at or just before the first quarter Moon. This means that the event happens on a different date each year, rather than a set calendar date