A symbol of love, mystery, cyclical change, and beauty, the Moon is the most beautiful object in the night sky. The subject of countless tales and myths, our constant companion has been our guide as we see the month passing by. It is the astronomical object that we are most familiar with, the one that is unchallenging to learn about.
Even just a small telescope or even your naked eyes are enough to study plenty of its features. The Moon also contributes to making Earth a more habitable planet by keeping its axis from wobbling any more than it already does, making it just a bit safer. It creates those rhythmic tides in the sea that have been our guides for millennia.
With this unparalleled influence on human life and culture, isn’t it only fair that we have a dedicated night of the year to observe, appreciate, and understand the Moon?
This is exactly what NASA did by initiating the ‘International Observe the Moon Night’ in 2009. They began the tradition by inviting us all to join the celebration by participating as a lunar observer, getting together, one day each year to learn about the Moon and appreciate its importance and beauty.
This year, the 21st of October has been designated as the ‘International Observe the Moon Night’. Every year, over 40 countries participate in this celebration of our only natural satellite. You might be wondering why the 21st, as the full Moon isn’t for another week.
This is deliberate because it is much easier to view the craters and mountains of the lunar surface when the Moon is in one of its illuminated crescent phases, and not completely lit.
As the Moon shines due to the light reflected from the Sun; during its crescent phases you might be able to see the dark portion of the Moon glowing faintly in the light reflected back from the Earth, called Earthshine. The gray patches on the moon are remnants of volcanic lava, which was prevalent earlier in its life. You might not be aware but even with just your eyes, you are able to see impact craters on its surface including the Copernicus, Kepler, Aristarchus, and Tycho craters.
Don’t know how to celebrate the occasion? Don’t worry, we got you!
Observing the Moon is something you can do no matter the time, place or day (except New Moon nights, of course). But for this special lunar celebration, here are some ways you can observe and study the Moon,
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Peer through a telescope
With some magnification, you will see real mountains and small craters, you’ll see valleys and cracks on the Moon’s surface with so much detail that you might feel the same wonder you once felt as a child laying your eyes upon the Moon for the very first time.
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Photograph the Moon on International Observe the Moon Night
Pictures are a gateway to memories and a perfect tool for learning. With your camera or your phone, you can capture the Moon as you look at it from the telescope. It wouldn’t nearly be as mesmerizing as looking through your own eyes, but it’s worthwhile a shot.
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Unleash the Artist
Art is always a wonderful way to mark an occasion, and what better way to show off the artist inside you by composing poems or paintings or sketches of our beautiful nightly companion?
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Join Us for International Observe the Moon Night!
And if you want a communal experience in celebrating the Moon, why not join us at Stargazing Mumbai as we plan to celebrate the ‘International Observe the Moon Night 2023’ at our Starparty at Dehene on October 21st? The night will be full of stories and sessions and observation parties, not just for the Moon but for many more deep-sky objects.
You can visit Stargazing Mumbai for more details
However you may choose to celebrate this special night, don’t forget to always appreciate the significant role the Moon has played for us humans. It has been a gateway for us to study the greater Cosmos and a starting step for human exploration beyond Earth. Happy observing!