International Sun Day is celebrated on May 3 every year. Many people think that the Sun started it all, however, we can all agree that the Sun provides light and warmth to Earth. On Sun Day, we honor the lone star that illuminates our world, but we also underline the immense energy potential that we have yet to completely realize. This annual holiday was established in 1978 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to promote solar energy as a viable and environmentally friendly energy source.
History of Sun Day
In a bid to promote the use of more environmentally friendly energy, International Sun Day was created. Solar energy is one of the safest ecological energy sources, it does not pollute the environment nor have long-term side effects like fossil fuels do. It is comparatively cheaper and can give an equal amount of energy to power stations around the globe.
Sun Day was proposed by Denis Hayes, an American environmental advocate and proponent of solar power. He rose to fame as the coordinator for the first Earth Day which was held on April 22, 1970. It was his idea for Sun Day to be grafted after Earth Day. The idea was accepted warmly by congress and by 1978, Jimmy Carter declared the holiday, which spread from the U.S to other parts of the world.
National Sun Day became an international event in 1994, attracting the attention of 22 countries. The event was introduced in Europe by the European Division of the International Solar Society. In certain nations, the holiday has been extended from a single day to a week, which is known as the Week of the Sun and begins on May 4. On International Sun Day, many events are held throughout the world to encourage the usage of renewable and environmentally beneficial solar energy sources. People can tour solar cottages on this vacation. Exhibitions, open Days, meetups, and tournaments are organized by solar research and project organizations. Students participate in solar-related projects and competitions in schools.
China is currently leading the world in solar power, prominent from 2020 with 208 GigaWatts, accounting for one-third of global installed solar capacity, motivating other nations in their strife to help preserve the planet by choosing green energy.
Sun Day timeline
Denis Hayes —an American environmental advocate — co-founds and coordinates Earth Day.
U.S President, Jimmy Carter, declares May 3 as Sun Day.
Sun Day is observed as a national holiday in several countries.
China obtains 208 Gigawatts of solar energy, accounting for one-third of the world's solar installed capacity.
Sun Day FAQs
What is solar energy?
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of technologies such as solar power to generate electricity, solar thermal energy including solar water heating, and solar architecture.
What is the importance of the Sun in our life?
It radiates light and heat, or solar energy, which makes it possible for life to exist on Earth. Plants need sunlight to grow. Animals, including humans, need plants for food and the oxygen they produce. Without heat from the sun, Earth would freeze.
Does the Sun rotate clockwise or counterclockwise?
The sun rotates counter-clockwise like the planets in our solar system.
How to Observe Sun Day
Visit a solar Institute
International Sun Day is a perfect opportunity to tour a solar house. Wouldn’t it be fun to learn about innovations that might be a key to stopping global warming?
Share on social media
You can help advocate for solar power by posting on the various social media platforms you are signed onto. You also let your friends and family know you’re celebrating this holiday.
Attend a meetup
Attend a gathering with friends and exchange ideas and knowledge on solar energy. You could share this knowledge with friends, colleagues, or family members.
5 Fun Facts About The Sun
The sun is a star
The sun is a star that provides us with energy, which brings life to our planet.
The sun is the closest star to our planet
This is the reason why we see the sun so big and bright.
The sun is way bigger than the Earth
The sun’s radius is more than 432,000 miles and the Earth’s radius is just under 4,000 miles.
It's hot
The sun’s average surface temperature is more than 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
99.86% of the mass
It has a mass of around 330,000 times that of Earth, it is three-quarters hydrogen and most of its remaining mass is helium.
Why Sun Day is Important
It draws the attention of the public to solutions for ecological problems
We get to draw the attention of the public to the opportunities presented by sustainable energy sources. We also learn how they are the solution to our ecological problems.
It promotes environmental consciousness
We get to promote environmental consciousness on this day. We discourage people from using fuel sources that may harm the environment.
We get to learn about innovations
We get to tour solar facilities and learn about innovations and discoveries. We become aware of the growth and development tech industries have achieved.
Sun Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 3 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 3 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 3 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 3 | Wednesday |
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