National Martian Day

Smiling astronaut in a colorful spacesuit, surrounded by futuristic technology and a Martian landscape backdrop.. — National martian day illustration

Hey there, fellow Earthlings! Get ready to blast off into the cosmos because it's National Martian Day! 🚀🪐

When is Martian Day?

It's national martian day on the 19th June.

What Is National Martian Day?

National Martian Day is a fun-filled celebration dedicated to all things Martian. It's a day when we dare to dream about life on the red planet and marvel at the wonders of the universe. So put on your spacesuit, grab your telescope, and let's embark on an extraterrestrial adventure!

The Internet History of National Martian Day

Our records show that National Martian Day first gained online popularity on June 19, 2017, when it received a whopping 39 online mentions. Since then, it has become an annual observance cherished by space enthusiasts from all walks of life.

How to Celebrate

Celebrating National Martian Day is a blast! Here are some out-of-this-world ways you can join in the interplanetary festivities:

Organize a Martian-themed movie night and enjoy classics like 'The Martian' and 'Mars Attacks!'
Host a stargazing party with friends and family. Set up telescopes and marvel at the wonders of the night sky.
Get creative with Martian-inspired arts and crafts. Build your own model of the Mars rover or create a Martian landscape painting.
Immerse yourself in the world of science fiction by reading Martian-themed books, like 'Red Mars' by Kim Stanley Robinson or 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells.
Create a Martian-inspired menu and indulge in some extraterrestrial cuisine. Don't forget to include some bright red foods to pay homage to the planet's rust-colored surface!

Did You Know?

In 2012, the Curiosity rover discovered something interesting on Mars. It detected traces of organic compounds, which are the building blocks of life as we know it. So who knows, maybe there's more to Mars than meets the eye!

History behind the term 'Martian'

1877

The Term 'Martian' is Coined

The term 'Martian' was first coined by the American astronomer Percival Lowell in 1877. Lowell became fascinated with the possibility of life on Mars and dedicated his career to studying the planet. He founded the Lowell Observatory in Arizona and used advanced telescopes to observe Mars in great detail. In his popular book 'Mars and Its Canals,' published in the same year, Lowell popularized the term 'Martian' to refer to hypothetical beings from the planet Mars.

1877

The Birth of H.G. Wells

H.G. Wells, a British author, was born in 1866. He would go on to become a pioneer in the science fiction genre, writing novels such as 'The War of the Worlds' in 1898. Wells' depiction of Martians in his book would forever change the way we perceive extraterrestrial life.

1898

'Martian' Enters the Vocabulary

In H.G. Wells' masterpiece 'The War of the Worlds,' published in 1898, he introduced the term 'martian' to refer to the inhabitants of the planet Mars. This was the first notable usage of the term, and it quickly gained popularity, becoming synonymous with extraterrestrial beings from Mars.

1898

H.G. Wells' Novella 'The War of the Worlds'

In 1898, the famous English author H.G. Wells published his groundbreaking science fiction novella 'The War of the Worlds.' The story depicted a Martian invasion of Earth, which captivated readers across the globe. Wells' imaginative portrayal of the Martians, with their advanced technology and deadly tripods, further ingrained the term 'Martian' into popular culture. The novella's success led to numerous adaptations in different media formats, solidifying the concept of Martians as a staple in science fiction.

1938

Orson Welles' Radio Broadcast Panics America

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre group performed a radio adaptation of 'The War of the Worlds,' presented as a series of news bulletins interrupting regular programming. Due to its realistic presentation, some listeners mistook the fictional story for a real alien invasion. Panic ensued, and people started calling radio stations and authorities, seeking confirmation of the Martians' existence. This event further solidified the term 'Martian' in popular culture, connecting it to the notion of extraterrestrial beings.

1924

Mars in Popular Culture

In the early 20th century, Mars became a popular subject in science fiction literature, films, and radio. Numerous stories and movies portrayed Mars as a mysterious planet inhabited by advanced civilizations, often known as Martians. This widespread cultural depiction further solidified the term 'martian' as a recognizable word.

1965

Real-Life Exploration of Mars

NASA's Mariner 4 mission, launched in 1964, successfully captured the first close-up images of Mars in July 1965. These images provided humans with the first real glimpse of the Martian surface, sparking further interest in the possibility of life on the planet. The term 'martian' gained additional significance as scientific exploration of Mars intensified.

1960s

Space Race Ignites Imagination

During the 1960s, the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union captivated the world's attention. As humans ventured into space, the fascination with the possibility of encountering Martians intensified. Science fiction literature, films, and television shows during this period often featured Martians as potential allies or adversaries in space exploration. The space race fueled imaginations and popularized the concept of Martians as an inseparable part of human exploration beyond Earth.

1976

The Viking Missions

In 1976, NASA's Viking 1 and Viking 2 missions successfully landed on Mars. These missions marked the first time spacecraft had touched down on the planet's surface. The Viking landers conducted experiments to search for signs of life, generating excitement among scientists and the public. The term 'martian' took on a new sense of wonder and curiosity.

1996

NASA's Mars Pathfinder Mission

In 1996, NASA's Mars Pathfinder mission successfully landed a robotic rover called Sojourner on the surface of Mars. This mission provided stunning photographs and data about the Martian landscape, generating widespread excitement and renewed interest in Mars exploration. The term 'Martian' regained popularity as news coverage focused on the search for signs of past or present life on the red planet. The images and discoveries from Mars Pathfinder further fueled the public's fascination with Martian exploration.

1996

Martian Meteorite Discovery

In 1996, scientists announced the discovery of a Martian meteorite on Earth. This rock, named ALH84001, was found in Antarctica and is believed to have originated from Mars. Its composition contained potential evidence of ancient microbial life on the red planet, captivating the scientific community and reigniting fascination with Martians.

2012

Curiosity Rover's Mission on Mars

The launch of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory, with the Curiosity rover as its centerpiece, marked a significant milestone in Martian exploration. Landing on Mars on August 6, 2012, Curiosity initiated a new chapter in our understanding of the red planet. The rover's ongoing mission to explore Mars' geology, climate, and potential habitability continues to capture the world's imagination. The term 'Martian' remains at the forefront of discussions about Mars as scientists strive to uncover clues to the planet's past and the possibility of life beyond Earth.

2012

Curiosity Rover's Arrival

NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission successfully landed the Curiosity rover on Mars in August 2012. The rover has since been exploring the Martian surface, collecting valuable data and imagery. The ongoing missions to Mars, including Curiosity, have further expanded our understanding of the planet and its potential for habitability, maintaining the relevance of the term 'martian' in popular culture.

Did you know?

Did you know that Mars is often referred to as the 'Red Planet' due to its rusty hue? It's just like Earth, but with a stronger commitment to fashion!