Moon Day 2025: What makes it so special, and why is it celebrated
The Moon has inspired innumerable poets and helped to design ancient calendars throughout history.
But more than anything, it has stood as a symbol of hope and possibility. For thousands of years, humans wondered what was up there. And then, in 1969, they finally stepped onto its surface.
To mark this leap, the International Moon Day is celebrated every year. But it isn't just about the past. It's also about the future of lunar science, the growing role of space missions from countries around the world, and a shared vision for peaceful exploration.
Why do we celebrate International Moon Day?
International Moon Day is celebrated on July 20 every year to pay respect to the historic Apollo 11 mission, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon. According to NASA, Armstrong said, 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' and it was broadcast to millions across the globe as a symbol of human achievement.
International Moon Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2021 through Resolution 76/76.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
JAIN Online MBA – Empowering Future Leaders
JAIN Online
Learn More
Undo
While it honours the historic moment when humans first landed on the Moon, it's not just about looking back. The day is also meant to keep alive the public interest in lunar science, support the astronomical missions globally in space exploration, and inspire young people to become the next generation of scientists, astronauts, and space researchers.
What makes Moon Day 2025 so special?
As announced by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the theme for Moon Day 2025 is "One Moon, One Vision, One Future."
This message is symbolic of global unity in space missions. It also shows the belief that the Moon doesn't belong to one nation; instead, it belongs to all of humanity. According to UNOOSA, the theme is meant to "encourage international collaboration and shared goals for lunar exploration.
"
Moon Day 2025 is also important, taking into consideration the pace of recent lunar missions. From NASA's Artemis program to India's Chandrayaan-3 and China's Chang'e missions.
The celebration aims to identify these collective efforts and open more dialogue on peaceful, cooperative Moon exploration.
What are the goals of
International Moon Day 2025
?
The goals of International Moon Day 2025 are all about raising awareness, promoting learning, and bringing people together through the path of space exploration. This year, the focus remains on helping more people understand the Moon's scientific, historical, and cultural value. It also highlights the important lunar missions from the past and present, including the Soviet Union's Luna 2 in 1959 to recent projects like NASA's Artemis and India's Chandrayaan.
Another big part of this day is about getting people to think about what the Moon could mean for our future, like the possibility of people living there one day, using it for energy, or making new discoveries.
The day also reminds us how important it is for countries across the world to work together peacefully in space, following agreements like the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which says the Moon belongs to everyone. According to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), International Moon Day also helps to inspire young people to get involved in space science and consider careers in space exploration.
How is Moon Day celebrated around the world?
Around the world, Moon Day is celebrated through a wide variety of events that reflect local enthusiasm and global shared curiosity. People gather for astronomy nights and public telescope sessions, where new astronomers share views of the Moon. Experts involved in space missions also give talks and presentations to offer firsthand information on Moon missions.
This year, the main international event will be held in Dubai, UAE, hosted by the University of Dubai, and will bring together space professionals, educators, and students from around the world in celebration of our shared vision for the Moon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
5 key reasons colon cancer is rising among young people; and ways to prevent
Colorectal cancer, once mostly affecting older adults, is increasingly striking younger people under the age of 50. This trend is being seen worldwide, with countries like the US, UK, Chile, and New Zealand reporting consistent annual increases in early-onset colorectal cancer. Surprisingly, many of those affected have no family history or visible health issues. A recent study has begun shedding light on why this silent shift is occurring, and the causes go far beyond genetics. From gut bacteria to lifestyle habits, several interconnected factors are raising red flags. Understanding these causes is essential to help prevent, screen for, and catch colon cancer earlier in young populations. Why more young adults are getting colon cancer: Lifestyle and gut health factors Health researchers have identified a dramatic increase in colon and rectal cancer cases in individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The US alone has seen a two-fold increase in cases under age 55 in just the past two decades. Colon cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second most common in young women. The traditional belief that only age and heredity are to blame is now outdated, as most of these cases are not genetically driven. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When Knee Pain Hits, Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away (It's Genius) Read More Undo Key factors contributing to colon cancer 1. Unhealthy diets and obesity Modern diets, especially in urban and Westernized societies, are filled with ultra-processed foods, red meat, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while being low in fiber. These eating habits are now directly linked to increased colon cancer risk. In addition, obesity and diabetes are becoming more common in young adults and play a significant role in increasing inflammation and cancer risk in the colon. 2. Gut microbiome & bacterial toxins A new study identified a gut bacterial toxin called colibactin, produced by some strains of E. coli, which damages DNA and may trigger colon cancer. Younger patients were far more likely to carry these colibactin-induced mutations, especially if they were exposed in childhood. Gut imbalance caused by poor diet, antibiotic overuse, or pollution may further worsen the risk. 3. Environmental exposures Microplastics, endocrine disruptors, air pollution, and other environmental chemicals may contribute to rising cancer rates by disrupting hormonal and metabolic processes. These generational exposures can damage gut health early in life. 4. Sedentary lifestyle Young people today are spending more time sitting, whether due to work, screen time, or lack of outdoor activity. This inactivity, combined with poor diet, raises the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. 5. Low screening rates and late diagnosis Until recently, colon cancer screening typically began at age 50. As a result, many young adults are diagnosed late, after the disease has advanced. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained fatigue, or persistent changes in bowel habits are often ignored or misdiagnosed in younger people. Precautionary tips to lower risk early Start screening earlier: If you're over 45, get screened for colorectal cancer, even sooner if you have symptoms or family history. Eat a fiber-rich, whole-food diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your daily meals. Reduce intake of red meat, sugar, and ultra-processed foods. Support a healthy gut microbiome: Include probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, bananas, garlic, and oats. Limit unnecessary antibiotic use. Stay physically active: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to keep your metabolism healthy and inflammation in check. Know the warning signs: Don't ignore early symptoms like blood in stool, abdominal pain, or long-term changes in bowel movements. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both are known contributors to colorectal and other forms of cancer, even in younger people. Also read | Are varicose veins a sign of poor blood circulation? Here's what you need to know
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
NASA monitors asteroid 2025 OT7 as it approaches Earth on August 5: Size, speed and flyby distance revealed
Earth is frequently visited by objects from deep space, ranging from tiny meteorites to massive asteroids that capture global attention. One such celestial traveler, asteroid 2025 OT7, is now at the center of interest as it prepares for a close approach to Earth on August 5, 2025. Its remarkable size, high velocity, and unique orbital path have made it a key subject for astronomers and sky watchers worldwide. Events like these emphasise the importance of continuously tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs) to understand their behaviour better, refine monitoring technology, and strengthen planetary defense strategies . The upcoming flyby of asteroid 2025 OT7 serves as a reminder of how dynamic our solar system truly is and why vigilance in space observation is essential. NASA tracks 170 feet asteroid 2025 OT7 to close flyby on August 5: Speed and distance Asteroid 2025 OT7 is estimated to be about 170 feet (52 meters) wide, roughly comparable to the height of a 16-story building. It is traveling at an impressive speed of 48,431 miles per hour (77,955 km/h), covering vast distances in space within seconds. During its closest approach, the asteroid will pass at a distance of 2.7 million miles (4.3 million kilometers) from Earth. Although this may seem like an extremely safe distance, astronomers categorise such flybys as relatively close because OT7 belongs to the Aten group of asteroids, which often cross Earth's orbital path. These types of asteroids are constantly monitored due to their dynamic orbits and potential to shift over time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Things You Should Stop Wearing After 40 Undo NASA has strict criteria for classifying an asteroid as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). For an object to fall under this category, it must have a diameter of more than 85 meters (279 feet) and pass within 7.4 million kilometers (4.6 million miles) of Earth. While asteroid 2025 OT7 is passing within the monitoring zone, it does not meet the size threshold. This means there is no immediate danger and its orbit is well understood, with no risk of collision during this flyby. Importance of monitoring space rocks Even when an asteroid does not pose a direct threat, it remains crucial to track and study its movement. Small gravitational shifts or interactions with other celestial bodies could potentially alter an asteroid's trajectory over time. That is why space agencies like NASA, ESA, JAXA, and ISRO keep a constant watch on near-Earth objects like 2025 OT7. India, under the guidance of ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, has shown keen interest in asteroid research and exploration. Plans are already in motion to study larger asteroids such as Apophis, which will pass extremely close to Earth in 2029. ISRO also aims to collaborate internationally on future asteroid landing missions, further enhancing planetary defense efforts. What makes asteroid 2025 OT7 significant The flyby of asteroid 2025 OT7 is significant, not because of danger, but because it serves as a reminder of the constant activity within our solar system. Close approaches like this demonstrate Earth's vulnerability to celestial events and reinforce why global monitoring systems are so important. They also present opportunities to test and refine advanced tracking technologies and engage the public in space science. For astronomers and researchers, this flyby offers valuable observational data that can be used to improve our understanding of asteroid compositions, movements, and long-term trajectories. For the general public, it sparks interest in space exploration and emphasizes the need for planetary defense strategies. Planetary defense progress with NASA DART and global missions In recent years, planetary defense has moved from science fiction to reality. NASA's DART mission, which successfully altered the orbit of asteroid Dimorphos in 2022, proved that humans have the capability to influence the path of small celestial bodies. This breakthrough has inspired similar efforts worldwide. The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing its Hera mission to further study the effects of DART's impact, while ISRO and other agencies are exploring their own asteroid observation and mitigation programs. Together, these efforts create a global network designed to ensure early detection and potential deflection of hazardous space objects. Also Read | NASA astronaut recalls awe-inspiring view of Mumbai and Delhi's night lights from space: 'India looks magical'
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Voyager 1 has sent a message from a strange location in space 20,000 lakh km away that's as hot as 50,000°C, but without fire
Synopsis Launched in 1977, NASA's Voyager probes have detected a high-temperature "firewall" beyond the solar system's edge, challenging previous assumptions. The probes revealed connected magnetic fields between interstellar and solar space, prompting new inquiries into the Sun's influence and the galaxy's magnetic structure. These findings enhance our understanding of the solar system's boundaries. Representative image created by AI NASA's Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft, launched in 1977, have identified a high-temperature region beyond the edge of the solar system. Scientists are now studying this area, nicknamed the "firewall", which may lead to a new understanding of the solar system's boundary and the magnetic connections between interstellar and solar Voyager probes were launched over four decades ago to explore planets and move beyond the solar system into interstellar space. Despite being launched at a time when the internet was in its infancy and cassette-based Walkmans were popular, the spacecraft continue to send data back to sent Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 with the goal of reaching the farthest regions of space. Over the years, they have provided important information about the outer planets, and now, about the space that lies beyond our solar has long been debate among scientists about where the solar system truly ends. While some suggest it ends after Neptune, others point to the Oort Cloud—a distant region believed to house defines the boundary of the solar system as the heliopause. This is the point where the solar wind, a stream of charged particles from the Sun, loses its strength. Beyond this point lies interstellar space. NASA compares the heliopause to the edge of a bubble formed by the Sun's influence. After crossing the heliopause, both Voyager probes encountered an extremely hot region, where temperatures range between 30,000 and 50,000 degrees Celsius. This region has been informally named the 'firewall.'Despite the extreme heat, the probes remained unharmed. NASA explains that this 'firewall' is not made of fire in the traditional sense. Instead, it contains highly energetic particles that are very spread out. They carry significant energy but don't burn as flames passing through this high-energy zone, the probes recorded magnetic field data from interstellar space. Scientists noticed that the magnetic fields beyond the heliopause seemed to stay connected to the fields within the solar system. This challenges earlier beliefs that the two regions were completely finding has raised new questions: Is there a connection between the magnetic fields inside and outside the solar system? Does the Sun's influence extend farther than previously believed? Are there still unknown factors about the galaxy's magnetic structure? Even though these discoveries happen far from Earth, they are important for space science. The continuous operation of Voyager 1 and 2 since 1977, and their ability to report new information, highlights the long-term success of these over 2 billion kilometers behind them, the Voyager spacecraft are helping scientists understand more about the structure and limits of the solar system. Each new discovery reminds us that the universe remains full of unknowns still waiting to be explored.
