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Did you know that September 26, 2020 is officially What is the date of the annual International Observe the Moon Night?
To celebrate the occasion, NASA’s last drop “Picture of the Day” featured a view of Earth’s only natural satellite seen in 1991. The dark areas of the moon’s surface are basalt plains that formed from ancient Volcanic eruptions.
Image: Lick Observatory via NASA
NASA presents the day as an international event, but the annual celebration that has taken place every year since 2009 is sponsored by the US space agency’s own Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission. It was established for various reasons, as stated on the event home page.
However, it is primarily an awareness effort that aims to get people to think about outer space in various ways. The date it falls changes from year to year, but they have all fallen during September or October, and specifically at a time when the moon is around its first quarter.
There are all kinds of options for those who want to embrace their inner astronomer. You can join one of the many events that take place around the world in honor of the occasion. You can also host your own if you prefer; there are guidelines for that right here.
In addition, due to extenuating circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic, NASA also created a page with a list of activities that people can use to participate at home. There is also a Facebook group dedicated to the event, as well as a Flickr group that brings together the work of amateur lunar photographers.
All participants are also invited to register on the event’s home page, helping to create a map illustrating the scope and impact of International Observe the Moon Night. At the very least, be sure to look up at the sky sometime on Saturday night and say hello to Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.
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