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Synthetic polymers were supposed to free us from the limitations of our natural resources. Instead they led to an environmental crisis

Huge fish; spiritualist rebuke

Remarkable new treatments can free millions of kids and adults from the deadly threat of peanut allergy, tackling one of our fastest-growing medical problems

Writers, artists, photographers and researchers share the stories behind the stories

The search for extraterrestrial life has periodically been turned upside down

Science in meter and verse

Play this crossword inspired by the September 2025 issue of Scientific American

Figure out how to split the square in this math puzzle

The U.S. is a global powerhouse. Public education is one of the main reasons why

Unless you have celiac disease, there are few health benefits to a gluten-free diet

Washing waste from the brain is an essential function of sleep—and it could help ward off dementia

Long dismissed as impossible, nerve regrowth is offering new hope for healing injuries and treating neurodegeneration

The universe has a habit of disproving “unassailable” facts

DNA holds our genetic blueprints, but its cousin, RNA, conducts our daily lives

5 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) This National Aviation Day graphic shows Orville Wright surrounded by the faces of some of NASA’s aeronautical innovators.NASA / Maria Werries

The first “A” in NASA stands for Aeronautics – so naturally that means today, Aug. 19, National Aviation Day, is one of our favorite days all year!

National Aviation Day was first proclaimed in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt to celebrate the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright, who, with his brother Wilbur, in 1903, were the first humans to achieve powered flight.

Each year since the President first marked the occasion, sky-faring Americans have come together on this date in an annual celebration of flight – a time to revel in spreading our wings and slipping the surly bonds of Earth.

All of us at NASA share in that celebration. We love everything about flight, whether it’s into space or within Earth’s atmosphere.

Our aeronautical innovators are dedicated to improving the design of airplanes to carry on pioneering new technologies in high-speed flight, airframes and propulsion methods, aerospace engineering modelling, and automating airspace and safety management.

Our heritage in aviation research goes back more than 100 years. We’ve helped air travel become a safe, efficient, reliable form of transportation. If you’re heading to an airport, keep an eye out for these NASA-developed aviation technologies you might see on your flight:

WINGLETSNASA studies led to development of vertical extensions that can be attached to wing tips in order to reduce aerodynamic drag without having to increase wingspan. Winglets help increase an airplane’s range, decrease fuel use, and today can be seen on airplanes everywhere.NASA CHEVRON NOZZLESWorking with its industry partners, NASA researchers determined an effective way to reduce noise levels on the ground and in the passenger cabin was to add saw tooth-shaped cut outs, or chevrons, to structures such as exhaust nozzles and cowlings of jet engines.NASA / The Boeing Company GLASS COCKPITS NASA created and tested the concept of replacing dial and gauge instruments with flat panel digital displays. The displays present information more efficiently and provide the flight crew with a more easily understood picture of the aircraft’s health and position.NASA Langley / Sean Smith How Will You Celebrate?

How else can you celebrate National Aviation Day? Here are seven ideas:

Visit your local science museum or NASA visitor center

Explore your local science center for exhibits about aviation and how an airplane flies. And if you live within a short drive from Norfolk, Virginia; Cleveland, or San Francisco, you might consider checking out the visitor centers associated with NASA’s Langley Research Center, Glenn Research Center, or Ames Research Center, respectively. These major NASA field centers play host to the majority of NASA’s aeronautics research. (NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, the fourth of NASA’s aeronautics centers, is located within the restricted area of Edwards Air Force Base in California so they do not have a public visitor’s center.)

Watch an aviation-themed movie

There’s no shortage of classic aviation-themed movies available to watch in any format (streaming, DVD, cinema, library rentals, etc.), and with any snacks (popcorn, nachos, gummies, etc.). We dare not attempt a comprehensive list, but a good place to start is our documentary “X-59: NASA’s “Quesst” for Quiet Supersonic Flight” available to stream on NASA+.

Build an airplane

Why not? It doesn’t have to be big enough to actually fly in – plastic model kits of the world’s most historic aircraft can be just as rewarding and just as educational, especially for kids who might be thinking about a career as an engineer or technician. In fact, many astronauts will tell you their love of aviation and space began with putting models together as a child. Another idea: Grab some LEGO bricks and build the airplane of your dreams. Or make it easy on yourself, fold a paper airplane and shoot it across the room.

Take an introductory flight lesson

Pilots will tell you there is a wonderful sense of freedom in flying, not to mention the incredible views and the personal sense of accomplishment. At the same time, being a pilot is not for everyone, but you won’t know unless you try! Many general aviation airports in the nation have a flight school that may offer an introductory flight lesson at a discounted price. And if you want a taste of flight without leaving the ground, computer desktop flight simulators such as Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane are popular choices and can get you into the virtual sky in short order.

Visit your local library or download a NASA e-book

Aviation-themed books, whether fact or fiction, are all over the shelves of your local library – literally. That’s because there’s no single Dewey Decimal number for aviation. A book about aviation history will be in a different section of the library than a book about how to design an airplane. And creative nonfiction books such as the Mark Vanhoenacker’s “Skyfaring,” or autobiographies such as Eileen Collins’ “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars,” are off on yet another shelf. Don’t hesitate to ask your librarian for help. And when you get back from the library, or while still there, jump online and check out the NASA e-books you can download and own for free.

Have a plane spotting picnic near an airport

At Washington’s National Airport, it’s Gravelly Point. In Tampa, Florida it’s International Mall. If you live near a major international airport, chances are you know the best place where the locals can go to watch aircraft take off and land up close. Be sure to take heed of any security restrictions about where you can and can’t go. But once you have your spot picked out, then load up your picnic basket and camp out for an evening of plane spotting. See how many different types of airplanes you can count or identify.

Follow what we’re doing to transform aviation

NASA’s aeronautical innovators are working to transform air transportation to meet the future needs of the global aviation community. Sounds like a big job, right? It is and there are many ways in which NASA is doing this. Improving an airplane’s aerodynamics, making airplanes more efficient and quieter, working with the Federal Aviation Administration to improve air traffic control – the list could go on for many thousands of more words. Bookmark our NASA Aeronautics topic page and follow us on social media @NASAaero.

So remember this National Aviation Day, NASA is with you when you fly!

About the AuthorJohn GouldAeronautics Research Mission Directorate

John Gould is a member of NASA Aeronautics' Strategic Communications team at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. He is dedicated to public service and NASA’s leading role in scientific exploration. Prior to working for NASA Aeronautics, he was a spaceflight historian and writer, having a lifelong passion for space and aviation.

Facebook logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Instagram logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Linkedin logo @NASA Explore More 5 min read National Aviation Day: Celebrating NASA’s Heritage While Charting Our Future Article 12 hours ago 4 min read NASA Tests Research Aircraft to Improve Air Taxi Flight Controls Article 6 days ago 3 min read NASA Uses Wind Tunnel to Test Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Wing Article 2 weeks ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA

Missions

Artemis

Aeronautics STEM

Explore NASA’s History

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Details Last Updated Aug 19, 2025 Related Terms

• Aeronautics
• Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

5 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) This National Aviation Day graphic shows Orville Wright surrounded by the faces of some of NASA’s aeronautical innovators.NASA / Maria Werries

The first “A” in NASA stands for Aeronautics – so naturally that means today, Aug. 19, National Aviation Day, is one of our favorite days all year!

National Aviation Day was first proclaimed in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt to celebrate the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright, who, with his brother Wilbur, in 1903, were the first humans to achieve powered flight.

Each year since the President first marked the occasion, sky-faring Americans have come together on this date in an annual celebration of flight – a time to revel in spreading our wings and slipping the surly bonds of Earth.

All of us at NASA share in that celebration. We love everything about flight, whether it’s into space or within Earth’s atmosphere.

Our aeronautical innovators are dedicated to improving the design of airplanes to carry on pioneering new technologies in high-speed flight, airframes and propulsion methods, aerospace engineering modelling, and automating airspace and safety management.

Our heritage in aviation research goes back more than 100 years. We’ve helped air travel become a safe, efficient, reliable form of transportation. If you’re heading to an airport, keep an eye out for these NASA-developed aviation technologies you might see on your flight:

WINGLETSNASA studies led to development of vertical extensions that can be attached to wing tips in order to reduce aerodynamic drag without having to increase wingspan. Winglets help increase an airplane’s range, decrease fuel use, and today can be seen on airplanes everywhere.NASA CHEVRON NOZZLESWorking with its industry partners, NASA researchers determined an effective way to reduce noise levels on the ground and in the passenger cabin was to add saw tooth-shaped cut outs, or chevrons, to structures such as exhaust nozzles and cowlings of jet engines.NASA / The Boeing Company GLASS COCKPITS NASA created and tested the concept of replacing dial and gauge instruments with flat panel digital displays. The displays present information more efficiently and provide the flight crew with a more easily understood picture of the aircraft’s health and position.NASA Langley / Sean Smith How Will You Celebrate?

How else can you celebrate National Aviation Day? Here are seven ideas:

Visit your local science museum or NASA visitor center

Explore your local science center for exhibits about aviation and how an airplane flies. And if you live within a short drive from Norfolk, Virginia; Cleveland, or San Francisco, you might consider checking out the visitor centers associated with NASA’s Langley Research Center, Glenn Research Center, or Ames Research Center, respectively. These major NASA field centers play host to the majority of NASA’s aeronautics research. (NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, the fourth of NASA’s aeronautics centers, is located within the restricted area of Edwards Air Force Base in California so they do not have a public visitor’s center.)

Watch an aviation-themed movie

There’s no shortage of classic aviation-themed movies available to watch in any format (streaming, DVD, cinema, library rentals, etc.), and with any snacks (popcorn, nachos, gummies, etc.). We dare not attempt a comprehensive list, but a good place to start is our documentary “X-59: NASA’s “Quesst” for Quiet Supersonic Flight” available to stream on NASA+.

Build an airplane

Why not? It doesn’t have to be big enough to actually fly in – plastic model kits of the world’s most historic aircraft can be just as rewarding and just as educational, especially for kids who might be thinking about a career as an engineer or technician. In fact, many astronauts will tell you their love of aviation and space began with putting models together as a child. Another idea: Grab some LEGO bricks and build the airplane of your dreams. Or make it easy on yourself, fold a paper airplane and shoot it across the room.

Take an introductory flight lesson

Pilots will tell you there is a wonderful sense of freedom in flying, not to mention the incredible views and the personal sense of accomplishment. At the same time, being a pilot is not for everyone, but you won’t know unless you try! Many general aviation airports in the nation have a flight school that may offer an introductory flight lesson at a discounted price. And if you want a taste of flight without leaving the ground, computer desktop flight simulators such as Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane are popular choices and can get you into the virtual sky in short order.

Visit your local library or download a NASA e-book

Aviation-themed books, whether fact or fiction, are all over the shelves of your local library – literally. That’s because there’s no single Dewey Decimal number for aviation. A book about aviation history will be in a different section of the library than a book about how to design an airplane. And creative nonfiction books such as the Mark Vanhoenacker’s “Skyfaring,” or autobiographies such as Eileen Collins’ “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars,” are off on yet another shelf. Don’t hesitate to ask your librarian for help. And when you get back from the library, or while still there, jump online and check out the NASA e-books you can download and own for free.

Have a plane spotting picnic near an airport

At Washington’s National Airport, it’s Gravelly Point. In Tampa, Florida it’s International Mall. If you live near a major international airport, chances are you know the best place where the locals can go to watch aircraft take off and land up close. Be sure to take heed of any security restrictions about where you can and can’t go. But once you have your spot picked out, then load up your picnic basket and camp out for an evening of plane spotting. See how many different types of airplanes you can count or identify.

Follow what we’re doing to transform aviation

NASA’s aeronautical innovators are working to transform air transportation to meet the future needs of the global aviation community. Sounds like a big job, right? It is and there are many ways in which NASA is doing this. Improving an airplane’s aerodynamics, making airplanes more efficient and quieter, working with the Federal Aviation Administration to improve air traffic control – the list could go on for many thousands of more words. Bookmark our NASA Aeronautics topic page and follow us on social media @NASAaero.

So remember this National Aviation Day, NASA is with you when you fly!

About the AuthorJohn GouldAeronautics Research Mission Directorate

John Gould is a member of NASA Aeronautics' Strategic Communications team at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. He is dedicated to public service and NASA’s leading role in scientific exploration. Prior to working for NASA Aeronautics, he was a spaceflight historian and writer, having a lifelong passion for space and aviation.

Facebook logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Instagram logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Linkedin logo @NASA Explore More 5 min read National Aviation Day: Celebrating NASA’s Heritage While Charting Our Future Article 2 hours ago 4 min read NASA Tests Research Aircraft to Improve Air Taxi Flight Controls Article 5 days ago 3 min read NASA Uses Wind Tunnel to Test Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Wing Article 2 weeks ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA

Missions

Artemis

Aeronautics STEM

Explore NASA’s History

Share

Details Last Updated Aug 19, 2025 Related Terms

• Aeronautics
• Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

While observing the Halley-type comet 12P/Pons-Brooks with ALMA and NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility, researchers determined that the comet's water is strikingly similar to the water on Earth.

Many answers to online research questions show signs of being generated by AI chatbots, raising doubts about the validity of behavioural data collected this way

Many answers to online research questions show signs of being generated by AI chatbots, raising doubts about the validity of behavioural data collected this way

More and more kids are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for social interaction. We are scrambling to understand the pros and cons of their use