Celebrate our lunar neighbor this Saturday (Oct. 1) with International Observe the Moon Night 2022!
The worldwide event takes place every year and provides “opportunities to learn about lunar science and exploration, observe celestial bodies and honor personal and cultural connections to the moon,” according to NASA (opens in new tab). Last year’s festivities attracted almost 500,000 participants from 122 countries, spanning every continent.Â
This year you can join in the fun by hosting an event in your community, observing the moon with friends and family or watching the action unfold online from the comfort of your own home.Â
Related: What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2022Â
NASA has organized a number of in-person and virtual events across the world that you can attend on Saturday. To find out whether there is an event near you check out their find an event page.Â
If you’re unable to attend an event in person, you can celebrate Observe the Moon Night virtually (and for free) via a pair of livestreams.Â
NASA moon livestreamÂ
NASA will be live streaming this year’s “Observe the Moon Night Broadcast” at 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT) on Oct. 1. During the broadcast, NASA personnel will be discussing lunar exploration and science from the past year as well as what’s on the horizon. The event will be available to watch on NASA TV (opens in new tab) or here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA.
Virtual Telescope livestream Â
The Virtual Telescope Project will also host a broadcast showcasing the moon above the skyline of Rome. The broadcast will start at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT) at the project’s WebTV page or Youtube stream above.
Celebrate the moon
Be sure to share your moon-watching experiences with other like-minded lunar enthusiasts around the world by using #ObserveTheMoon.Â
Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and the Solar System Exploration Division of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as a number of other NASA partners.
It’s always good to know who your neighbors are, so why not take the time to get to know our lunar companion a little better? After all, we may be paying it another visit in the near future with NASA’s Artemis program. The program is designed to place astronauts back on the moon and develop an ongoing presence on the lunar surface which could act as a stepping stone for a mission to Mars.Â
Artemis 1 will be the first test flight of the agency’s new Space Launch System megarocket and the Orion crew capsule and is currently scheduled to launch no earlier than mid-October. You can keep up to date with the mission with our Artemis 1 live updates page.Â
If you’d like to take a more in-depth look at our rocky companion our ultimate guide to observing the moon will help you plan your next skywatching venture, whether it be exploring the lunar seas, mountainous terrain or the many craters that blanket the landscape. You can also see where astronauts, rovers and landers have ventured with our Apollo landing sites observing guide.Â
Looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe the moon and don’t know where to start? Our guides for the best binoculars deals and the best telescope deals now can help.Â
If you’re interested in taking your lunar photography to the next level our how to photograph the moon guide is full of handy tips on techniques, times and tools to help you start capturing impressive lunar photos. Our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can also help you make sure you are fully prepared and kitted out for your next moon-watching adventure.Â
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