Latest news with #InternationalMoonDay


The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
NASA employees protest budget cuts and policy changes in open letter
LOS ANGELES: Over 280 current and former NASA employees have sent a formal open letter to NASA's interim administrator Sean Duffy, strongly opposing proposed budget cuts, staffing reductions, and policy changes under the Trump administration. The letter, titled 'The Voyager Declaration,' warns that recent changes 'have or threaten to waste public resources, compromise human safety, weaken national security, and undermine the core NASA mission.' Duffy, who also serves as the US secretary of transportation, was appointed by President Donald Trump earlier this month. The employees argue that the budget cuts are 'arbitrary' and have already led to the loss of specialised expertise due to layoffs, resignations, and early retirements. They expressed concerns over reductions in science and aeronautics research, the decommissioning of operational spacecraft, and withdrawal from international collaborations. 'We urge you not to implement the harmful cuts proposed by this administration, as they are not in the best interest of NASA,' the letter stated. Similar concerns have been raised by employees at other US federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency, regarding the Trump administration's policies. On International Moon Day and US National Space Exploration Day, NASA employees from the Goddard Engineers, Scientists and Technicians Association protested in Washington, DC, against potential cuts outlined in the White House's 2026 budget proposal. - Bernama-Xinhua


The Hindu
2 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Plan to set up science centre for school students on Calicut varsity campus
The University of Calicut will soon have a science centre where school students can come and stay for research work, Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran has said. He was opening the International Moon Day celebrations held on the university campus at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district on Monday (July 21). It was organised by the Department of Physics, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, M.S. Swaminathan Chair, Luca science portal and UL Space Club. Mr. Raveendran said that the doors of the university should be opened for students, who are the society's future hope. They would be able to visit the observatory, botanical garden, labs, and various departments on the campus and engage in experiments with the help of research guides. There is a plan to build a new planetarium as well. Mr. Raveendran said that the corporate social responsibility funds of various institutions could be made available for the science centre, he added. Over 300 students attended the event.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Students celebrate Moon Day with workshops, films & missions at RSC
1 2 Cuttack: With models, movies and moments of discovery, the Regional Science Centre (RSC), Bhubaneswar, transformed into a hub of curiosity and learning as it celebrated International Moon Day on Sunday. Commemorating the first Moon landing by Apollo 11 in 1969, the event drew around 100 school students and public, aimed to inspire young minds and raise awareness about space research. A hands-on workshop, 'Phases of the Moon', was conducted where students built working models to understand the lunar cycle. Kits were provided by the centre and participants, with the guidance of experts, received certificates and course materials for further learning. "The day is not just about looking back at the Moon landing; it is also about inspiring the next generation to dream big and explore the universe. We are proud to see such enthusiasm among students," said RSC head Kapil Jain. An exclusive film screening showcased the Apollo 11 Moon landing and India's advancements in lunar exploration. "Building the Moon model helped me understand how the Moon changes shape every night. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When the Camera Clicked at the Worst Possible Time Read More Undo It was fun and educational," said Ritika Mohanty, a Class IX student. Another participant, Sourav Patra, said, "I didn't know India had such a big role in Moon missions. Now, I want to learn more about Isro and become a space scientist." The celebrations included an interactive session between RSC staff and students and encouraged questions on topics about space science and exploration.


Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Joins Global Celebration of International Moon Day
Every year on July 20th, the world celebrates International Moon Day, marking the historic moment when humans first set foot on the moon in 1969. This milestone forever changed the course of space science and broadened humanity's understanding of the universe. Throughout history, the moon has been a constant source of inspiration and a key element in the development of astronomy, timekeeping, and the formation of cultural beliefs across the globe. With the rapid advancement of space programs worldwide, the moon has once again become a focal point for space exploration. It serves as a destination for future missions, reflecting a global need to invest in scientific research and increase awareness of space science. This includes encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this vital field. In Bahrain, there has been a noticeable surge in interest in astronomical phenomena, with educational and cultural institutions increasingly engaging with space science. This reflects both an advanced public awareness and the nation's ambition to align with global trends in space research. On this occasion, I emphasize the importance of supporting national initiatives in space science. Establishing specialized scientific centers focused on astronomy and supporting astronomy-related events for all age groups, especially the youth, are essential steps in nurturing a love for scientific knowledge. This will stimulate curiosity, promote discovery, and help cultivate a generation capable of contributing to the future of scientific and space research both in Bahrain and beyond. I also commend the growing role of the Bahrain Space Agency in advancing this initiative. Through support for national programs, building research partnerships, and opening new opportunities for Bahraini youth to engage in the global space sector, the agency is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration in the region.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
International Moon Day 2025: Why we celebrate it, its history and significance
The Moon has long stirred the imagination of humankind. From children staring wide-eyed at the night sky dreaming of becoming astronauts, to astronomers carefully charting its terrain, the full moon has inspired awe across generations. Historically, the Moon has played a vital role in shaping ancient calendars, inspiring poets, and symbolizing the unknown—until that changed on July 20, 1969. On that day, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took humanity's first steps on the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission, turning the dream of reaching the Moon into reality. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Public Policy Cybersecurity Degree Design Thinking Finance Data Analytics healthcare others Others Digital Marketing PGDM Healthcare Management Technology Leadership MBA CXO Data Science Data Science Artificial Intelligence Product Management Project Management Operations Management MCA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Calcutta Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Economics for Public Policy Making Quantitative Techniques Public & Project Finance Law, Health & Urban Development Policy Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate Programme in Public Policy Management Starts on Mar 3, 2024 Get Details To commemorate this groundbreaking achievement, International Moon Day is celebrated each year on July 20, marking the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon. Armstrong's unforgettable words—'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind'—still echo today as a testament to the boundless potential of human exploration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Private Jet - The Prices May Surprise You! Private Jet I Search Ads Learn More Undo In 2021, the United Nations officially recognized International Moon Day through Resolution 76/76, aiming not only to honour past accomplishments but to ignite global enthusiasm for future lunar science, exploration, and peaceful cooperation in outer space. Theme for 2025: 'One Moon, One Vision, One Future' This year, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has announced the theme 'One Moon, One Vision, One Future', emphasizing the need for international unity in lunar exploration . The theme reflects a shared vision where the Moon—and outer space as a whole—is seen as a common heritage of humanity. According to UNOOSA, it aims to promote 'international collaboration and shared goals for lunar exploration.' Live Events Why Moon Day 2025 Is Especially Significant International Moon Day 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment in space exploration. Several spacefaring nations are actively pursuing lunar missions, such as: NASA's Artemis program India's Chandrayaan-3 China's Chang'e series These missions signal a renewed global interest in exploring and understanding the Moon—not just for science, but for the future possibility of human settlement and resource utilization. This year's observance shines a spotlight on: The Moon's scientific, cultural, and historical relevance Milestones in space exploration, from Luna 2 (1959) to Artemis and beyond Prospects for lunar energy harvesting, research outposts, and long-term human presence The importance of peaceful cooperation in space, in line with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) supports Moon Day initiatives that aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Celebrations Around the World International Moon Day is celebrated with a wide range of global events, including: Public stargazing and telescope viewings Lectures by astronomers and space experts Educational workshops for students Community discussions on space policy and innovation These events bring together people of all ages to celebrate humanity's relationship with the Moon and foster excitement about future possibilities. The main global event for 2025 will be held in Dubai, UAE, at the University of Dubai. This international gathering will unite scientists, educators, students, and space professionals in honour of one of humanity's most remarkable achievements—and our shared aspirations for what lies ahead.