National Milky Way Day

A group of happy children, dressed in fun space-themed costumes, enjoying delicious Milky Way bars, surrounded by stars and planets.. — National milky way day illustration

Hey there, Milky Way enthusiasts! Prepare to embark on a cosmic journey as we celebrate the delightful National Milky Way Day! This stellar occasion gives us the perfect excuse to indulge in the sweet and creamy glory of Milky Way bars. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sugar-powered adventure through the galaxy of deliciousness!

When is Milky Way Day?

It's national milky way day on the 12th March.

A Little Dip into the Milky Way's Internet History

When it comes to the internet buzz around National Milky Way Day, it's no surprise that things have been out of this world! We've detected a whopping 180 online mentions of this extraterrestrial celebration. The cyberspace went into a sugar-induced frenzy on March 12, 2016, with Milky Way fans united in their love for this chocolatey delight.

Going Beyond the Milky Way Bars

While National Milky Way Day is all about munching on those delightful Milky Way bars, let's take a moment to appreciate the galactic origins of its name. The real Milky Way is the massive spiral galaxy in which our planet Earth resides. It's a mesmerizing display of billions of stars, gas, and dust, creating a mind-boggling cosmic tapestry that stretches over 100,000 light-years! Not only is our galaxy a captivating sight, but it's also responsible for inspiring the name of one scrumptious chocolate treat.

Now, let's dive into the Milky Way's digital presence. On this special day, social media platforms are teeming with Milky Way enthusiasts sharing their love for these heavenly confections. From drool-worthy pictures to creative recipes, the internet provides a Milky Way-inspired wonderland for all to enjoy. So, whether you're a die-hard Milky Way fan or just someone who appreciates the cosmic wonders of the universe, National Milky Way Day is your time to shine (or should we say, twinkle!).

A Fun Fact that Will Make You Snicker

Did you know that the Milky Way bar was originally named after a popular malted milkshake? Back in 1923, Frank C. Mars, the founder of Mars, Inc., created this delectable chocolate bar that reminded him of the taste of a malted milkshake. So, the next time you take a bite out of a Milky Way, imagine you're sipping on a heavenly malted milkshake – the cosmic connection is simply irresistible!

History behind the term 'Milky Way'

1620

The Ancient Greeks

The term 'milky way' can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. They referred to it as 'galaxias kyklos', which means 'milky circle'. The Greeks believed that the milky way was a path created by the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus, to carry her baby Hercules to be breastfed by the goddess Athena.

964 The Arab Astronomers

The term 'milky way' gained prominence during the Islamic Golden Age when Arab astronomers extensively studied the night sky. They referred to it as 'al-kawkeb al-laban', which translates to 'the milk-white way'. These astronomers made significant contributions to understanding the celestial phenomenon that we now know as the milky way.

1610

Galileo's Observations

In 1610, the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei turned his telescope towards the sky and made groundbreaking observations. He discovered that the milky way is not just a diffuse band of light but is made up of countless individual stars. Galileo's observations reshaped our understanding of the milky way.

1750

The Term 'Milky Way'

The term 'milky way' was officially introduced in the 18th century. William Herschel, a German-British astronomer, popularized the use of the term to describe the luminous band of stars that stretches across the night sky. Herschel's work contributed significantly to our knowledge of the milky way and its structure.

1920

Modern Understanding

In the early 20th century, advancements in telescopes and technology allowed astronomers to delve deeper into the mysteries of the milky way. They discovered that the milky way is a vast spiral galaxy containing billions of stars, along with other celestial objects like planets, nebulae, and black holes. The modern understanding of the milky way has been shaped by ongoing scientific exploration and research.