These activities make it easy to participate safely in International Observe the Moon Night from wherever you are. They are suitable for a variety of age groups and adaptable for use with whatever materials you have available. Feel free to adjust the activities to better meet the needs of your participants or audience.
For even more ideas, explore highlighted collections from our supporters.
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Spend the next month getting to know the Moon. Set aside some time each day to look at the Moon, and record your observations in the log provided here. *For observers in the Americas, you can begin a month of lunar observations starting with the annular eclipse on October 14 and continuing through International Observe the Moon Night – and beyond – with this special eclipse edition journal.
Time: One month
Recommended age: All ages
Group size: Any
Suggested materials: Printed or digital copy of Moon Observation Journal, writing utensil or editing app
Related resources: NASA's Daily Moon Guide, Moon in Motion: Phases, Moon Phase and Libration, STEMonstrations: Moon Phases
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Using simple materials, you’ll model the basics of a partial, annular, and total solar eclipse.
Note: This activity is aligned to specific Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Time: 30-60 minutes
Recommended age: 6-14 years old
Group size: Individual or classroom activity
Suggested materials*: Large (1-3 feet in diameter) yellow circle or ball to represent the Sun or a projected image of the Sun, 1-inch or 2-inch foam balls or any small balls (one per person), pencils (one per person). *The relative sizes of the yellow circle or ball and the foam balls can vary depending on the size of the room and number of participants. If foam balls are not available, any spherical substitute will work, including aluminum foil balls.
Related resources: Moon in Motion: Eclipses, What Happens During a Solar Eclipse?, The Moon’s Role in a Solar Eclipse
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While NASA astronauts continue to live and work aboard the International Space Station, we are preparing for a new future in deep space. With the Artemis program, NASA will send humans to the lunar surface once again and build an infrastructure for missions to Mars. Download and create Artemis illustrations of your own to decorate your space with the systems that will take humans back to the Moon and beyond!
Time: Varies
Recommended age: 5-14 years old
Group size: Any
Suggested materials: Sheet of paper, pencil with an eraser, pen or marker, ruler
Related resources: First Woman Graphic Novels and Interactive Experiences, The Adventures of Commander Moonikin Campos and Friends, Artemis Camp Experience, We Go as the Artemis Generation
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Through a series of graphic novels and digital platforms, First Woman aims to capture our attention and unite the next generation of explorers who will return to the Moon. Issue #1 follows the trailblazing path of fictional astronaut Callie Rodriguez as the first woman on the Moon. Issue #2 is coming soon and picks up right where we left off with Callie and her robot sidekick, RT. Graphic novels also available in Spanish.
Time: Varies
Recommended age: 5+ years old
Group size: Individual
Suggested materials: Computer, tablet, smartphone, or other device with internet access
Related resources: Artemis Camp Experience, The Adventures of Commander Moonikin Campos and Friends, We Go as the Artemis Generation, Learn How to Draw Artemis
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Make Moon-related art (in any medium). Share your lunar artwork in the International Observe the Moon Night Flickr group and on social media using #ObserveTheMoon. Image credit: Molly Mignano
Time: Varies
Recommended age: All ages
Group size: Any
Suggested materials: Any
Related resources: “Moon As Art” Collection, Do-It-Yourself Exploration with Moon Trek
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Calling all citizen scientists! NASA needs your help to find new craters and other changes on the Moon. Join MoonDiff to help scientists learn about the dynamic lunar surface.
Time: As long as you'd like!
Recommended age: 16+ years old
Group size: Individual
Materials: Laptop or desktop computer with internet access
Related resources: Impact Craters, Dynamic Moon, Moonscapes
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Viewing the Moon with a telescope or imaging equipment? Try this two-part Observing Challenge from the Astronomical League. Note: You do not need to be a member of the Astronomical League to participate.
Time: Varies
Recommended age: 16+ years old
Group size: Individual
Materials: Varies
Related resources: Moon Map, Sketch the Moon Together!
School groups and other educators may wish to incorporate or build on these activities in International-Observe-the-Moon-Night-inspired programming. This is an opportunity to get the whole school involved.
Everyone: We welcome your creative interpretation, adaptation, and implementation!
Looking for more? Try these activity and resource collections:
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission Education Resources
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Educational Activities & Lessons
Explore! with the Lunar and Planetary Institute
Night Sky Network Outreach Resources
NASA & Design Squad On the Moon Activity Guide
Learning Space with NASA at Home
