The Moon Landing 50 celebration was conceived as an IAU100 global project to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first human landing on the moon in 1969. The project comprises the largest coordinated Moon landing anniversary action worldwide with over 1 million people attending events in 128 countries.

 

On the dates of the anniversary (20-21 July), a variety of innovative activities took place around the world: including: 

 

• Performances by the Radio Science Orchestra in the United Kingdom: "Music out of the Moon": an audio-visual spectacular charting the remarkable story of humanity's journey to the Moon.

• The Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences and the Museum of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic joined efforts in an evening full of activities in the gardens of the Belém Palace, the official residence of the Portuguese President of the Republic in Lisbon.

• a dedicated Apollo 11 challenge from Kerbal Space Challenge, an association and a group of platforms for enthusiasts of space to gather around challenges on the Kerbal Space Program video game.

• The launch of a Moon Habitat Design Contest, a national level competition organised by India's Natskies that aims to encourage students to innovate and explore in the field of astronomy and science. 

• A 1960’s-themed Lunar Block Party at the Museum of Flight in the United States of America, the world’s largest independent, non-profit air and space museum.

 

The Moon Landing 50 page also published dedicated pages to highlight the activities taking place by the Moon Landing 50 telescope winners and events carried out in specific regions: Colombia (Puerto), Ethiopia, Iraq, Ireland, Nepal, Slovakia, Senegal, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom. 

 

Registered activities will continue through the month of August with others recognizing the anniversary later in the year. The complete list of events can be found here and the registration of new activities can be done here.

 

Throughout the celebrations, event participants and organisers have been using the hashtags #IAU100 and #MoonLanding50 to share updates and images. These posts have also been featured on a special global social media wall that features event highlights and photos from around the world. 

 

Dedicated photo albums have also been created on the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach Facebook and Flickr pages. Those who wish to submit images or event posters to be included in these albums, can do so by completing this form.

 

Event organisers and participants are eligible for a variety of prizes, including awards for innovation, as well as inclusiveness, diversity and equity in the implementation of event activities. Moon Landing 50 has also launched the “Under One Moon” Children’s Art Contest for youth aged 5-12 of all countries. Submissions will be accepted until 11 August. 

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