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On May 26, we celebrate the achievements and legacy of an incredible trailblazer on Sally Ride Day. This day honors the first American woman to fly in space, Dr. Sally Ride, who made history on June 18, 1983 when she boarded the Space Shuttle Challenger as a mission specialist. Not only was she a pioneer in space exploration, but she also worked tirelessly to promote education and careers in science and technology for young girls. So let's take this day to remember her inspiring life and continue to encourage future generations to reach for the stars!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Sally Ride</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sally Ride was born on May 26, 1951, in Los Angeles, California.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>NASA Acceptance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Ride was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1978, where she was one of six women selected out of 8,000 applicants.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Historic Space Flight</div><div class='timeline-text'>On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to fly to space on the Space Shuttle Challenger.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sally Ride Science</div><div class='timeline-text'>Ride co-founded Sally Ride Science, an organization promoting science education and career interests in young girls and boys.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Passing of Sally Ride</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sally Ride passed away on July 23, 2012, but left behind a legacy of inspiration and advocacy for STEM education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Sally Ride Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first commemoration of Sally Ride Day took place, honoring the life and achievements of the inspiring astronaut.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a stargazing party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sally Ride was not only an astronaut, but also an accomplished physicist and astronomer. Celebrate her legacy by hosting a stargazing party and learning about the wonders of the universe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a book about Sally Ride</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many books written about Sally Ride that provide insight into her life and accomplishments. Take the time to learn more about this inspiring woman on her special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary about Sally Ride</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are several documentaries available that highlight Sally Ride's incredible journey as the first American woman in space. Gather some friends or family and watch one together to celebrate her achievements.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a science museum or planetarium</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sally Ride was a pioneer in the field of science and space exploration. Honor her memory by visiting a science museum or planetarium and learning more about the wonders of the universe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a STEM education program</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of Sally Ride's passion for science and education, consider donating to a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education program. This will help empower future generations to follow in her footsteps.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>She was a trailblazer for women in STEM</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Sally Ride broke barriers as the first American woman in space and inspired young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Her accomplishments have paved the way for future generations of female scientists and astronauts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>She promoted education and advocacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>After leaving NASA, Sally Ride dedicated her life to promoting education and advocating for science literacy. She co-founded Sally Ride Science, an educational company aimed at inspiring young people - especially girls - to pursue STEM careers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>She showed us that the sky is truly the limit</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Sally Ride's courage and determination proved that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. As we celebrate Sally Ride Day, we are reminded to reach for our dreams and never give up on ourselves - because like her, we can soar to great heights.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sally Ride Was the Youngest American Astronaut to go into Space</h3><p class='facts-content'>Being just 32 years old at the time of her first space flight, Ride still holds the record as the youngest American astronaut to have travelled to space.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sally Ride Received Numerous Awards and Honors</h3><p class='facts-content'>Ride's groundbreaking career earned her numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sally Ride Authored Children’s Books to Promote Science</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to her work with Sally Ride Science, she wrote several children’s books about space, all aimed at fueling curiosity about space and science among young readers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Ride Participated in Both of Challenger's Successful Missions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before the tragic disaster in 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger had nine successful missions. Sally Ride flew on two of these missions (STS-7 and STS-41-G), contributing significantly to their success.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>She Remained Committed to Education Throughout Her Life</h3><p class='facts-content'>Ride's dedication to education spanned her lifetime. After leaving NASA, she became a professor of physics at the University of California and continued to inspire and encourage students until her death in 2012.</p></div></div>
Sally Ride Day is celebrated on May 26 every year. In 2024, Sally Ride Day falls on a Sunday.
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