NASA: International Observe the Moon Night 2020

International Observe the Moon Night is a time when Moon enthusiasts and curious people worldwide explore and learn more about lunar science and exploration. They also take part in celestial observations and honour cultural and personal connections to the Moon.

Washington:The public participated in the virtual event organized by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, International Observe the Moon Night on September 26. The event had featured engaging pre-recorded content such as presentations, demonstrations, video clips and a question and answer session with NASA scientists and engineers.

International Observe the Moon Night occurs annually in September or October when the Moon is around the first quarter which is a great phase for evening observing. Furthermore, a first-quarter Moon offers excellent viewing opportunities along the terminator (the line between night and day), where shadows enhance the Moon’s cratered landscape. NASA Moon tweeted about the same.

After September 26, 2020, the other upcoming dates for International Observe the Moon Night are:

• October 16, 2021
• October 1, 2022

Goals of International Observe the Moon Night:

1. Unite people across the globe in a celebration of lunar observation, science, and exploration.
2. Provide information, a platform, and resources in order to:

• Raise awareness of NASA’s lunar science and exploration programs.
• Empower people to learn more about the Moon and space science and exploration, using Earth’s Moon as an accessible entry point.
• Facilitate sharing of Moon-inspired stories, images, artwork, and more.
• Inspire continued observation of the Moon, the sky, and the world around us

International Observe the Moon Night 2020. Courtesy, MOON.NASA.GOV

International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission and the Solar System Exploration Division of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, with many contributors.

LRO is managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.Ten Ways to Observe the Moon:

NASA: International Observe the Moon Night 2020

While science is often the dominant discussion in talking about the moon, the event is also meant to celebrate the cultural and personal connections that individuals and communities have to our natural satellite, NASA said in a statement.

Here are just a few ways to share your experience and find out how others are observing the Moon:

• Join the conversation using #ObserveTheMoon on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Share custom social media graphics.
• Post your International Observe the Moon Night 2020 photos, and browse images contributed by observers around the world, in NASA collaborative Flickr group.
• Explore past NASA event galleries to see photos submitted by observers in previous years.
• For lunar updates throughout the year, follow @NASAMoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NASA seeks funding to continue with Artemis moon missions ahead of a planned human moon landing in 2024. The agency hopes to send the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission around the moon in 2021 to test the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket.

Also Read: Science and Tech Weekly Wrap-Up