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Moon Mania

 
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As Sidewalk Astronomers we take our scopes out to the public, usually when the Moon is up. As John always said "astronomers are allergic to the Moon, the public isn't". While John was out EVERY clear night looking at the Moon, most of us do observing between first quarter and full. Most local clubs have public events on the first quarter, but you can hold sidewalk sessions even when the Moon is full. People love it.
 

To help excite your community about our natural satellite, consider the  resources below throught the year to help with making your outreach more effective and informative.  Listed below is the Nightsky Network’s Skywatcher’s Guide to the Moon, and the Lunar maps and atlas software and lunar calculators all great  to share in person. 

 
The Lunar maps are available for Newtonian images as well as other scopes which opens the door for a great conversation on the optics of a telescope!
  
Special Moon Nights this year are March 23 and Sept 16 for Prenumbral Eclipses and 10/16, 11/14/ and 12/14 for Super Moons. Check our event calendar to track the Moon. 
  
To make the most of this year's lunar eclipses, check out how to observe and photograph this phenomenon with articles from leading astronomy magazines.
 
Also check our Earthshine Program because it is a nice addition when planning your Moon Nights. This year we are adding the beautiful phases of the moon that are the most difficult to see at times but are truly very rewarding – the thin, beautiful crescents waxing and waning with Earth reflecting off of the Moon.  Is most thrilling to show the public just how connected we are to our Moon 
 

If you feel adventurous, hunt for the Lunar X that only appears for a few hours on the first quarter moon.  This is all a play with the sun light and reflection off of crater rims with the Purbach crater.

 
To engage the next generation or offer STEM-like hands on activities, print out the student activites and set up a table at your site!
As for older kids (adults too) take a look at the lunar phone apps and maps - these will keep us  mindful of our fabulous moon this year.
These resources are here to make your lunar observing and outreach events easier, engaging and more fun! 
 
Make sure to keep track of your Moon Nights to earn your Sidewalk Observing Pin and solar glasses. 

 

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