International Observe the Moon Night offers window into lunar landscape

Countries around the world took part in International Observe the Moon Night yesterday, an annual event aimed at raising awareness of lunar science and exploration, and giving the public a chance to view the Moon’s terrain with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes.

Majed Abu Zahira, president of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, said the event is held each September or October, close to the first quarter phase of the Moon. At this time, sunlight casts side illumination on the lunar surface, highlighting its features and making evening observations ideal.

He explained that this year’s event came one day after the Moon reached its first quarter, creating optimal conditions for observation. The most prominent details appear near the line dividing lunar night and day, where craters, mountains, and slopes cast distinct shadows that enhance the contrast and reveal the Moon’s features.

He added that NASA provides special lunar maps for the occasion, helping participants identify various surface formations and the landing sites of space missions, as well as the 15 lunar “seas” visible from Earth—broad plains formed by solidified basaltic lava, not bodies of water.

He noted that telescopes allow viewers to locate the Apollo mission landing sites, though the spacecraft and equipment themselves cannot be seen from Earth. Participation in the event includes astrophotography, educational and artistic activities, and virtual tours of the lunar surface, with contributions recorded on the program’s global map.

The event is supported by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at the Goddard Space Flight Center. Organizers emphasize that observing the Moon is accessible to everyone, starting with the naked eye and progressing to more detailed views using observation tools.