The 20th July 2019 is an important anniversary for a very special event.  It's the 20th anniversary of the Moon Landing when Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin walked on the moon.

And did you know that there President Ronald Reagen created a Space Exploration Day (also called National Moon Day) to commemorate the incredible first crewed man on the moon and moon landing.  

When their space craft touched down, Armstrong said "Houston, Tranquility Base here.  The Eagle has landed."

And 20 minutes later on 20th July 1969 at 10:56pm, Amstrong opened the hatch of the landing craft and got out to walk on the moon.  "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" are words that surely go down in history as some of the most famous in the world.

Aldrin joined him shortly afterwards, and together they explored the surface of the moon, taking photos and collecting samples. 

They left an American flag behind, a patch to honour the fallen Apollo 1 crew and a plaque on one of Eagle's legs, which read: "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon. July 1969 A.D. We came in peace for all mankind."

Space Exploration Day and World Moon Day is an opportunity to encourage young people to consider - and perhaps follow - careers in space (UK).  Take a look at NASA's website here 

And here are some space related gift ideas!

For 2025, how about a Lunar Calendar from the Calendar Club?  

The Lunar Calendar 2025 has stunning photography and
glow-in-the-dark depictions of the daily phases of the moon.
£12.99 from the Calendar Club

 
There's also this Space Calendar 2025 
with wonderful photos of the universe and far-away galaxies for £10.99

or this Space Calendar 2025
shows off the stars and planets in the sky
for £10.99

 
This is Moon:An Illustrated History : From Ancient Myths to the Colonies of Tomorrow
It is a richly illustrated volume presents 100 milestones in lunar history.
Find out more from Hive.co.uk


What about a Name a Star Gift!


How about a Name a Star gift for £20.00?
The gift box includes a welcome letter, an explanation of the gift, how to register,
unique information about the star and how to locate the star. 
There's also a 'Stars and Astronomy' booklet, a presentation certificate and a personalisation pen. 
After registration, you receive a certificate displaying your chosen star name.
Find out more from Into the Blue!

or you could Buy a Piece of the Moon


Possess a piece of this history as well as over 4000 square metres of genuine solid land. You’ll receive a lunar site map to indicate where your land is located; lunar deeds; and a declaration of ownership!
For £26.00 from Virgin Experience Days

BuyaGift have a  
Brecon Beacons Observatory Group Stargazing Experience for Two with Dark Sky Wales.

View the night sky from the first International Dark Sky Reserve 
and learn from Dark Sky Wales astronomers.
£49.99 (and you can get a 10% discount with our code AHW2024BAG
until 31 December 2024; some products are excluded.)
Get your telescope out to find out more here


How about an Astronaut Experience for Two
at Space Store, Oxford, Oxfordshire?

This includes a hands-on interactive space experience:
go on a spacewalk and experience a Rocket Launch with Virtual Reality,
find out how astronauts eat and live in space, 
try on a replica Tim Peake Sokol Space Suit
and more!  Blast off to find out all about it here.

 BuyaGift have an Eat Like an Astronaut Online Experience for Six!
You'll need a laptop, smartphone or tablet for this, 
and it's a chance to learn about how and what astronauts eat in space!

Interact with a 45 minute space event - pre-recorded, and ready for you
to do from the comfort of home!
It's for £64.99 from BuyaGift (please note the need to know before you buy)
You can get 10% off with our discount code AHW2024BAG
before 31 Dec 2024 - some products are excluded

Make Your Own Solar System Planetarium!
This is available through the Natural History Museum for £16.00.
It's suitable for all ages 8+ and it makes one 30cm model.
Snap the spheres together, paint your planets with glow in the dark paint
and watch them orbit the Sun! 

For a card or a card/gift, Cardology can help with an Original Stormtrooper Helmet Pop Up Card
for £10.00

This officially licensed Original Stormtrooper Helmet Pop Up Card can be used as a birthday card, father’s day gift, mother’s day card or for any occasion.   Take a look here.