Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night on October 1!
- 09/30/2022
Guests of all ages enjoyed live views of the Moon, shared by Dan Brandon from his telescope as part of the River Bend Astronomy Club's International Observe the Moon Night event held on October 16, 2021, as seen in this photo from Terry Menz.
One day each year, everyone on Earth is invited to observe and learn about the Moon together, and to celebrate the cultural and personal connections we all have with Earth’s nearest neighbor. Everyone, everywhere can participate, and anyone, anywhere can host an International Observe the Moon Night event. Events range in size from small backyard gatherings to festivals with hundreds of participants. Hosts can tailor their events to match their available resources and expertise, and the needs and interests of their communities.
Photo credit: David Abbou, Stafford, Virginia
The International Observe the Moon Night website has a number of resources to support your International Observe the Moon Night event, including: a printable map of the Moon in the exact phase it will be that day, highlighting features people can find with their naked eye and through telescopes, links to beautiful lunar imagery that can be displayed, recommended hands-on activities, customizable advertising materials, and evaluation materials. The International Observe the Moon Night team also offers professional development for hosts with topics such as lunar photography tips and NASA lunar and planetary science research that hosts can share with their visitors. You can also find a collection of lunar resources from the Night Sky Network at bit.ly/nsnmoonight
Preview for this year's International Observe the Moon Night Moon map - download the full resolution copy here.
Though telescopes and binoculars are not required to view the Moon, they add to the observing experience. Many astronomy clubs around the world host International Observe the Moon Night events, but if you or your local club would rather not lead an event, consider partnering. Libraries, schools, museums, and other organizations eagerly seek support from astronomy clubs to provide telescopes and observing expertise at their International Observe the Moon Night events.
George Cannelos gives a tour of the night sky at the Astronomy Association of Arizona's Observe the Moon event held at the Sundance Adult Center during the 2021 Observe the Moon Night celebration on October 16, 2021, as seen in this photo by Kevin LeGore.
The Moon is a gateway to the Solar System and beyond, so hosts are encouraged to also observe and discuss planets and other celestial objects and events. Stargazers often notice how the Moon tracks the same region of the sky as the Sun and planets - making our Moon a celestial tour guide to budding observers, making for striking pairings as it passes, and sometimes occults, the planets in out solar system. The Moon also travels past many other celestial sights as well, and can serve to help folks identify nearby constellations, stars, and relatively bright deep sky objects.
Guests enjoy a presentation about the Moon at the Kansas Astronomical Observers's International Observe the Moon Night event before viewing begins, as seen in this photo by Steve Johannes.
To learn more about International Observe the Moon Night, register your event, and access International Observe the Moon Night resources, visit moon.nasa.gov/observe
Andrea Jones is the Director for International Observe the Moon Night and Public Engagement Lead, Solar System Exploration Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Last Updated: September 21, 2022
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