Observe the Moon Night

Observe the Moon Night Oct. 8, 7-10 pm Free and for all ages Drinks. Refreshments. Binoculars recommended. Our nearest celestial neighbor and constant companion has been visited by twelve human beings on six different occasions—and we’re going back! There’s nothing, however, to stop us from doing the next best thing right now. During this night of lunar excitement telescopes around the world will be pointed at our sole natural satellite. HRPO will showcase the best historical lunar imagery, fascinating displays describing fact-finding missions, Apollo landings, myths and little-known facts about the Moon. Telescope viewing will occur as usual, with the Moon taking precedence. Join us, and sketch the Moon while you’re here! 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm-VENUS♀-SATURN♄-MARS♂ LINE HRPO personnel will explain why these planets never get as bright as the Moon (though Venus♀ comes the closest…which isn’t close at all). 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm—PAINT THE MOON Kids will have the opportunity to create an “artistic” Moon in acrylic, with suggestions from HRPO staff and while viewing an actual lunar globe based on visual data collected from space missions. 7:30 pm to 7:50 pm—BINOCULAR MOON TOUR As it resides in Ophiuchus the Water Bearer, the Moon will be the focus of several “investigators” as HRPO provides a tour that begins unaided then requires the use of a binocular. Bring yours! 8:00 pm to 8:15 pm—UNAIDED SKY TOUR As the Moon sinks into the southwest BREC Education Curator Amy Brouillette will give a brief sky tour focusing on Fomalhaut, the Great Square of Pegasus and Cassiopeia. 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm—NEPTUNE♆ VIEWING This far-away planet requires magnification. Test your binocular; is it good enough, or is a telescope needed? “OBSERVING CHALLENGE” AND "FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION” The Observing Challenge tasks HRPO patrons with finding ten lunar features on the Moon. For Your Consideration lists a series of brief, stand-alone exercises. The sheets associated with these tasks will be posted below soon. NOTE: Coincidentally, the third annual Baton Rouge Mini Maker Faire will take place earlier this day. Stop by and say “hi” to the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society!