International Moon Day

For thousands of years, human civilisations have looked up to the sky pondering the origin and mysteries of the Moon - our only natural satellite. Ground-based observations enabled by the invention of the first telescopes opened a new chapter in our understanding of our celestial companion. The date of July 20th  was chosen as International Moon Day to honour the anniversary of the first landing of humans on the Moon . This was accomplished by the Apollo 11 mission , during which Neil Armstrong and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin set foot on the Moon's surface as the first humans while Michael Collins awaited their return in the Columbia Command Module in Moon orbit . This marked a historic feat in Moon exploration and paved the way for future research and discovery. The International Moon Day was proclaimed to celebrate the achievements of all States in the exploration of the Moon. It additionally aims to raise public awareness about sustainable Moon exploration and utilisation. Th...

The phases of the Moon are: New Moon, waxing crescent, First Quarter, waxing gibbous, Full Moon , waning gibbous, Last Quarter, and waning crescent . A cycle starting from one Full Moon to its next counterpart, termed the synodic month or lunar month, lasts about 29.5 days. Though a Full Moon only occurs during the exact moment when Earth, Moon, and Sun form a perfect alignment , to our eyes, the Moon seems Full for around three days. RELATED: 20 things to see on the Moon

There are a wide variety of specialized names used to identify distinct types or timings of Full Moons . These names primarily trace back to a blend of cultural, agricultural, and natural observations about the Moon, aimed at allowing humans to not only predict seasonal changes , but also track the passage of time . For instance, almost every month’s Full Moon boasts a name sourced from Native American, Colonial American, or other North American traditions, with their titles mirroring seasonal shifts and nature’s events . Wolf Moon (January) : Inspired by the cries of hungry wolves. Snow Moon (February) : A nod to the month’s often heavy snowfall. Worm Moon (March) : Named after the earthworms that signal thawing grounds. Pink Moon (April) : In honor of the blossoming pink wildflowers. Flower Moon (May) : Celebrating the bloom of flowers. Strawberry Moon (June) : Marks the prime strawberry harvest season. Buck Moon (July) : Recognizing the new antlers on bucks. Sturgeon Moon (Augus...