About the Event

General questions

• 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:

  • October 4, 2025
  • October 17, 2026
  • October 9, 2027
• 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 event hosts and participants.

• How is each year's International Observe the Moon Night date selected?

  International Observe the Moon Night occurs each year on a Saturday in September or October when the Moon is around first quarter. 

  First quarter is a great phase for lunar observing, offering dramatic views through a telescope or pair of binoculars. Along the line between lunar day and night, shadows enhance our view of the Moon’s rugged terrain, just like views at sunrise and sunset here on Earth are beautiful when the shadows are long. And, during this phase, the Moon is high in the sky in the evening (a time that works well for most of our event hosts). 

  Saturday was selected because, according to our evaluation data, this day works well for most of our event hosts. The time of year remains consistent to accommodate our team’s year-round work on the program and to provide a degree of predictability for event hosts. Finally, we do our best to avoid major religious holidays tied to the lunar calendar. 

  No date works for everyone in our community, so the program is set up to be flexible. Our event registration system handles events scheduled up to several days before and after the main program date.

• Are there materials to promote my event?

  Yes! Visit our Multimedia collection to browse graphics and other resources, including: 

  • Save the Date Postcard 
  • 2024 Press Release Template (2025 edition will be published closer to the event date, Oct 4, 2025)
  • Video Trailer
  • Social Media Shareables
  • Official Logos and Style Guide
  • Fillable Event Flyer
• Do you have hands-on activities that we can use at our event?

  Yes! Here are some of our recommended activities. 

• Will there be a live feed of the Moon?

  Please visit our Live Streams page for the most up-to-date information about telescope live feeds and other programming.

• How can we get a scientist speaker or local support for our event?

  Here are some great places to start your search for in-person, socially distanced, and/or virtual help:

  • The Solar System Ambassadors is a program that works with motivated volunteers around the country to share the latest science and discoveries of NASA’s space exploration missions by inspiring their community at local events. (Check a database of local Solar System Ambassadors in your area.)
  • The NASA Museum Alliance is a group of informal educators that is designed to help you navigate, find, or even create what you need to teach audiences about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) topics. (Check a map of local NASA Museum Alliance members.)
  • The Night Sky Network connects local astronomy clubs with those interested in hosting events to bring the wonders of the universe to the public.
  • NASA Engages connects you with volunteers in the NASA workforce who can share their expertise with your classroom, school, or community group.

  For additional help, we suggest reaching out to your local university astronomy departments or clubs to see if they will be operating in the fall; they may be able to assist you. Typically, university clubs are enthusiastic about public engagement and can speak to the current and cutting-edge science happening in their fields.

• Can we get an astronaut to come to our event?

  Follow these links to request a NASA astronaut or speaker.

• Do you have a map of the Moon?

  Each year, we make maps of the Moon with sites that will be visible on International Observe the Moon Night. The 2024 Moon Map is available here, and you can visit the Event Materials page for more resources. 2025 Moon Maps will be published closer to the event date (Oct 4, 2025).

  Looking for an interactive Moon map you can use any day of the year? Try NASA's Daily Moon Guide. 

• Can my class or educational group participate?

  Of course! Individual classes or groups can participate in whatever way best fits your needs, interests, and available resources. Or, you may wish to take an interdisciplinary approach and get the whole school involved.

  A few ideas are listed here: Art teachers might feature or have students create Moon-inspired art. Music teachers might share Moon-inspired songs. History teachers might discuss or have students research the history of the Moon or space exploration. Social studies teachers might share Moon-related stories or traditions from cultures around the world. Language arts teachers and librarians might highlight Moon-inspired words, books, or poems. Science teachers might discuss lunar science and observation. Engineering classes might build lunar spacecraft models.

  You may also be interested in this year's featured activities and resource collections.

  Please feel free to reach out to us with specific questions or suggestions.

• My question is not answered on this page. What should I do?

  Please use our feedback form to reach out to us.