International Observe the Moon Night is this week

International Observe the Moon Night 2021

International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) is a worldwide celebration of lunar science and exploration held annually since 2010, coming up on October 16, 2021. It’s sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, with support from NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute and the Lunar and Planetary Institute.

This international celebration occurs each year when the moon is near the first quarter phase. It’s a waxing gibbous moon you’ll see in tonight’s sky (like the image above). Around these moon phases, it’s convenient and fun to observe the moon, especially along its terminator line – or line between light and dark on the moon – which marks the line of sunrise on a waxing moon. Along the terminator, shadows are longest and lunar features stand out most clearly.

Go to the InOMN website to find information about how to host, register, and evaluate your InOMN event. You can also look for an event near you, and share pictures and highlights from your moon-watching fun on October 16. Want to participate online? The Virtual Telescope Project in Italy will be offering a live, online observing session, showing the moon over the beautiful skyline of Rome. The online, free session is scheduled for October 16, 2021, starting at 17:30 UTC (1:30 p.m. EDT). Translate UTC to your time.

How to observe, safely

The InOMN website states:

Whether you are able to safely host a physical event or you are interested in planning a virtual event, we are here to help. Please observe in the way that is healthiest for your community and yourself …

Your event can be a small gathering of friends or family, an online program for thousands of visitors, or anything in between. The size, location, and agenda are for you to determine, based on public health guidance in your area, your interests and expertise, the interests and needs of your audience, and the resources you have available.

Though we encourage everyone to participate in International Observe the Moon Night on a specific date each year, we understand that this date may not work for everyone. You are welcome to host your event on a different day. The main objectives are for you and your audience to observe and learn about the moon as well as celebrate your personal and cultural connections to our nearest celestial neighbor.

Click here to register your event for International Observe the Moon Night

Go to the event’s website to look for an InOMN event near you

Please help EarthSky continue its mission to bring you night sky information and science news! Will you join our annual crowd-funding campaign with a donation today?

Bottom line: A global, public event is coming up on October 16, 2021. You can look for events near you and to learn how to participate online.