by Andrea Jones, NASA’s Solar System Exploration Division

10 years ago, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and its sister mission Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) entered lunar orbit. From the interest and enthusiasm at events celebrating the occasion, International Observe the Moon Night was born. Today, International Observe the Moon Night is now a worldwide celebration of lunar science and exploration, celestial observation, and the cultural and personal connections we have to the Moon. Everyone, everywhere can participate. You can join by hosting or attending an event, or registering as a lunar observer.

With the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, an international fleet of robotic lunar explorers, and as we look forward towards Artemis, it’s a great time to celebrate past, present, and future lunar exploration. International Observe the Moon Night (October 5th) will be a great opportunity for you to engage your patrons with lunar and space science and exploration, observing the skies, and sharing lunar memories, art, and stories.

Learn more, find program resources and event materials – including customizable advertising materials, a printable map of the Moon on the phase it will be in on October 5, recommended activities, and evaluation resources – and register your participation on moon.nasa.gov/observe.

Additional programming resources are available on the STAR Net website.

You can show views of the Moon from your library and connect with lunar enthusiasts worldwide through #observethemoon and the International Observe the Moon Night Flickr group.

Busy on October 5th? Don’t worry – you can register an event between September 27 and October 13. Can’t host an event? Also OK – you can still encourage visitors to go out and look up! We have a printable flyer on our website about how to get involved from anywhere in the world, perfect for display for your front desk.