He wanted to share the thrill of astronomy with those who reside in urban areas, where light pollution bleaches the sky, and with folks who have little access to remote observatories or equipment.

By bringing stargazing to the public's "doorstep," Astronomy Day has evolved into a route by which astronomy clubs attract potential members and inspire general fascination in the cosmos.

These events often lead to increased commercial sponsorship and boosts in economic funding, which are scarce for these under-endowed institutions.

The importance of this event continues to grow as universities, planetariums, museums, observatories, local clubs, libraries and nature centers bring awareness to this day by hosting open houses, lectures, star parties, instructional telescope demonstrations, museum displays and exhibits, along with solar and nighttime observing sessions.

This year, celebrations extend across borders and around the world from the United States to Australia. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in Ottawa in particular has been noted for astronomy programs and Astronomy Week, which follows Astronomy Day.

The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California, will hold events from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tours of a solar telescope (not normally accessible to the public) will be given, and the observatory's Zeiss telescope will be set up during the daytime.

The Los Angeles Astronomical Society and Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers will set various telescopes on the grounds of the observatory -- both for daytime and nighttime observing. The regularly scheduled planetarium shows also will be shown. For information, call (323) 664-1181.

The Charles Hayden Planetarium of the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts, in cooperation with 27 astronomy-associated institutions, organizations and clubs has organized a rich program for sky fans. Demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions and hands-on activities get under way at 9 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Continuing throughout the day will be planetarium shows and 23 programs about a variety of space subjects. Three of the programs will be offered in Spanish. For more information, call (617) 589-0273.

Astronomy Day has developed a following and attracted increasing crowds in recent years, providing education and entertainment for all, organizers say.

If you haven't explored outer space lately, or have been wondering about the great beyond hinted at in The X-Files and actually explored by NASA and other space agencies, Astronomy Day is your grand opportunity to give your interest a boost.