Today is the anniversary of the launch of Sputnik in 1957. It is also the first day of World Space Week.
Over at Space.com they write:
The Space Age officially began 53 years ago today, when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the world’s first man-made satellite. While the original event set off fear and Cold War rivalries, today it is honored with the kickoff of an international space celebration.
Keep Watching the Skies recounts the stories of the “Moonwatchers”, citizen astronomers who helped track Sputnik as it made its first circuit of the globe. With the participation of thousands of amateur astronomers, school children, and scientists, Sputnik truly initiated the Space Age.
ps — this book is actually part of our huge online book sale, so it’s a great time to order a copy.