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International Observe
the Moon Night is a date each year that we invite everyone on Earth
to observe the Moon, to learn about lunar science and exploration
and to honor personal and cultural connections to the Moon.
It's a great time to look at the Moon because the Moon will be high in
the sky at sunset and it will be a first quarter
phase. This means that half of the Moon will appear light and half
of the Moon will appear dark to us Earth observers. And
some of the best places to look at the cratered landscape of the Moon
is along that line between day and night. I also love
looking at the Moon on this day in particular because I know people around the world
are observing with me. [slate]
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Yes that's right we will be streaming International Observe the Moon Night
programming on NASA TV from 5:30 p.m. - to 11:30 p.m.
Eastern. This broadcast will feature content
from NASA centers and NASA affiliates across the United States.
It will include a tour of the astro-materials lab at NASA's Johnson
Space Center where our Apollo samples are stored. It will also
include a virtual tour of the Moon, lunar artwork, tips
for photographing the Moon. And if you have a question about
the Moon, you can send it to us using the # Ask NASA hashtag,
and NASA scientists will be answering questions throughout the broadcast.
On the broadcast, and on social media. We hope you'll join us.
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We accomplished a tremendous amount through the Apollo program
We collected information about the Moon and samples that we're
still analyzing and learning from today. With the Artemis program
we're going to explore new and diverse areas of the Moon.
We'll investigate ices trapped at the lunar poles. We'll
learn about planetary processes that shape our Moon, our Earth, and
moons and planets throughout the solar system. And through
Artemis we're going to establish a sustained presence
on the Moon which will help us take the next giant leap
to Mars. [slate]
[slate] So the Moon
is a more dynamic place than we expected to find.
Through the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter we are watching the Moon changing before
our eyes. We've found unusual terrains that we don't fully understand
yet. We're watching new impact craters form. We found
a place at the Moon's north pole that is colder than Pluto!
And we're finding ice in these super cold places which could hold
records of what's been happening on the Moon for a really long time.
And these are places that we'd really like to explore, learn more about, and could be a
resource to our astronauts. [slate]
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Yes the first quarter Moon is a great
phase for observing. And special for this weekend,
because of how the Moon and Earth are positioned in their orbits
at this time, we'll be able to peek a little farther around the
edge of the Moon than we are typically able to do. Which means we'll be able to
see some features that are usually on the far side
of the Moon. We'll be able to see the locations of every Apollo
landing site, lots of lunar mare or cooled seas of lava
- the dark patches that we see on the near side of the Moon.
And some spectacular lunar craters and landscapes
We'll show you a lot of these features that you can look for and describe them
for you on Moon maps available on our website.
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Absolutely, you can join a global conversation
and share your experiences of observing the Moon using the observe
the Moon hashtag on any social media platform that you like.
We will also have Moon maps and a viewing guide and recommended activities,
maps of observers participating around the world, including you
if you'd like to join us. Social media sharables and so much more.
on our website: moon.nasa.gov/observe.
I hope you'll join us.