Believe it or not, observing the Moon is something you can do no matter the weather condition, time of day, or area! There are so lots of ways to commemorate and observe the Moon for International Observe the Moon Night.
1. Search for
A first quarter Moon is ideal for observing. Credit: NASAs Scientific Visualization Studio/Ernie Wright
The most basic method to observe the Moon is to look up. International Observe the Moon Night is constantly held near a first-quarter Moon, which means that the near side of the Moon is about half-illuminated. A first-quarter Moon is great for evening observing as it rises in the afternoon and is high above the horizon in the night.
2. Peer through a telescope or field glasses
A lunar observer at an International Observe the Moon Night occasion. Credit: NASA/Molly Wasser
With some magnification aid, you will have the ability to determine information on the Moon The line in between night and day on the Moon (called the terminator) is ideal for seeing lunar craters and mountains considering that very long shadows increase the contrast of the features. Take a look at the Moon Maps for some guided observing on Saturday.
3. Photograph the Moon.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera imaged this brilliant young ray crater in 2018. The image covers a location about 5 miles (8.1 kilometers) across. Credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University
Our Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has actually taken more than 20 million images of the Moon, mapping it in spectacular information. Inspect out our tips on photographing the moon.
4. Unwind on your couch
This clip of Orientale Basin was made with information from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter by our Scientific Visualization Studio. Credit: NASAs Scientific Visualization Studio/Ernie Wright
Fortunately, you can observe the Moon from the convenience of your own house. The Virtual Telescope Project will livestream the Moon over Rome, Italy. Youll discover about the Moons role in eclipses, look at the Moons stages from the far side, and see the most current science represented in extremely high resolution.
5. Touch the topography
Ina D is a volcanic landform on the Moon. Credit: NASA GSFC/Jacob Richardson
Observe the Moon through touch! If you have access to a 3D printer, you can browse our library of 3D designs and lunar landscapes. This collection of Apollo resources features 3D print models of the Apollo landing websites utilizing topographic data from LRO and the SELENE mission. On the Apollo 11 model, near the center, you can actually feel a small dot where astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left the Lunar Descent Module.
6. Admire and make Moon art
Make your own effect paintings, like this one! Credit: LPI/Andy Shaner
Enjoy artwork of the Moon and create your own. Submit images of your artwork (paintings, poetry, sketches, precious jewelry) to our Flickr gallery, or share on social media using #ObserveTheMoon. Weve got some tips for budding poets on making up a lunar haiku. Or do an art activity! For messy enjoyable, lunar crater paintings demonstrate how the lunar surface changes due to regular meteorite impacts.
7. Listen to the Moon
Sonification is the process of translating data into noise and music. In this musical data sonification of lunar understanding and expedition, we can hear the progress made throughout the Apollo program to now as our understanding of the Moon broadens. Listen to the percussion, which symbolizes launches and the passage of time. The pitch of the string and brass instruments communicates the amount of clinical activity associated with the Moon over time. Credit: NASA Explorers: Apollo/System Sounds
Treat your ears this International Observe the Moon Night. Numerous NASA podcasts include lunar science, exploration, and history, including Houston We Have a Podcast from the Johnson Space Center, NASA Explorers: Apollo, which features individual stories from the Apollo age to now, and Gravity Assist with NASA Chief Scientist Jim Green. The third season is all about the Moon. Make a playlist of Moon-themed songs if you prefer listening to music. For inspiration, take a look at this list of lunar tunes. We also suggest LROs main music video, The Moon and More, including Javier Colon, season 1 winner of NBCs “The Voice.” Or you can watch this video featuring “Clair de Lune,” by French composer Claude Debussy, over and over.
8. Take a virtual excursion
Moon Trek enables you to explore the Moon by means of your own computer system. Credit: NASA/SSERVI
Strategy a lunar walking with Moon Trek. Moon Trek is an interactive Moon map used NASA information from our lunar spacecraft Fly anywhere you d like on the Moon, determine the range or the elevation of a mountain to prepare your lunar walking, or layer attributes of the lunar surface area and temperature level. If you have a virtual truth headset, you can experience Moon Trek in 3D.
9. See the Moon through the eyes of a spacecraft.
The Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) aboard LRO sends out laser pulses down to the surface area of the Moon from the orbiting spacecraft. These pulses bounce off of the Moon and go back to LRO, offering scientists with measurements of the range from the spacecraft to the lunar surface. This image reveals the slopes (inclines, or hills) found near the south pole of the Moon. The intense red to white areas have the greatest slopes (25 degrees or more) while the dark blue to purple locations have the smallest slopes (5 degrees or less). The biggest slopes are discovered in impact crater rims, which look like vibrantly colored circular functions throughout the image. Credit: NASA/GSFC/MIT
Evaluation the Moons gravity field with data from the GRAIL spacecraft or understand the labyrinth of this slope map from the laser altimeter onboard LRO. You can find out more about the various NASA missions to explore the Moon here.
10. Continue your observations throughout the year
Moon phases as seen from Earth. Credit: NASAs Scientific Visualization Studio/Ernie Wright
International Observe the Moon Night is the ideal time to begin a Moon journal. See how the shape of the Moon appears to alter over the course of a month, and keep an eye on where and what time it rises and sets. To check your work, see Dial-A-Moon, where you can plug in any date of the year to see the Moon phase. Observe the Moon all year long with these techniques and tools!
However you choose to commemorate International Observe the Moon Night, we wish to hear about it! Register your involvement and share your experiences on social networks with #ObserveTheMoon or on our Facebook page. Happy observing!
There are so many methods to commemorate and observe the Moon for International Observe the Moon Night. International Observe the Moon Night is always held near a first-quarter Moon, which indicates that the near side of the Moon is about half-illuminated. Youll find out about the Moons role in eclipses, look at the Moons phases from the far side, and see the newest science represented in extremely high resolution.
International Observe the Moon Night is the ideal time to start a Moon journal. You pick to commemorate International Observe the Moon Night, we desire to hear about it!
