International Observe the Moon Night at NASA Goddard

The public is invited to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. EDT at NASA Goddard’s Visitor Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

International Observe the Moon Night is a time to come together with fellow Moon enthusiasts and curious people around the world. The public is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon.

During the Goddard event, attendees will be able to participate in a variety of interactive hands-on activities. There will also be a photo booth, Moon-themed presentations, and lunar and astronomical observing with telescopes. 

This free event is open to the public and will occur rain or shine.

International Observe the Moon Night occurs annually in September or October, when the Moon is around first quarter – a great phase for evening observing. Last year, almost a million people participated in 123 countries and all 7 continents. This year, NASA is celebrating 15 years of the program!

International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) mission and the Solar System Exploration Division of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, with support from many partners. LRO is managed by Goddard for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

No registration is needed.

To participate in International Observe the Moon Night from wherever you may be, tune into our NASA broadcast or watch live streams of the Moon from telescopes around the world on our Live Streams page on Sept. 14.

When is International Observe the Moon Night?

International Observe the Moon Night occurs annually in September or October, when the Moon is around first quarter. The first quarter Moon is great for late-afternoon and evening observing.

Upcoming dates for International Observe the Moon Night:

September 14, 2024
October 4, 2025
October 17, 2026

If we are unable to participate or host our event on International Observe the Moon Night, can we still officially observe on another day?

Though we encourage everyone to observe on a specific date each year, we understand that this date may not work for everyone. You are welcome to participate on a different day. Participation can mean looking at the Moon, learning about lunar science and exploration, honoring personal and cultural connections to our nearest celestial neighbor, and more.

We encourage you to observe as close to the official date as possible, because we select dates that are close to a first-quarter Moon, which is visible in the afternoon and evening - a convenient time for most hosts and participants.

10 ways to observe the Moon

Believe it or not, observing the Moon is something you can do no matter the weather, time of day, or location! We interpret “observe” very broadly. There are so many ways to celebrate and observe the Moon for International Observe the Moon Night. Here are ten of our favorites:

1. Look up
2. Peer through a telescope or binoculars
3. Photograph the Moon
4. Relax on your couch
5. Touch the topography
6. Make and admire Moon art
7. Listen to the Moon
8. Take a virtual field trip
9. See the Moon through the eyes of a spacecraft
10. Continue your observations throughout the year