Public invited to view Moon as part of international event

Super Moon, Blue Moon, Blood Moon…they are all different faces of the celestial body which continues to fascinate many.

As part of NASA’s International Observe the Moon event Saturday, Oct. 21, the public is invited to view the Moon from the Palenske Science Building roof at Albion College. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting, and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the observation website.

Since 2010, International Observe the Moon Night has been a world-wide event that in part, raises awareness of NASA’s lunar science and exploration program and empowers people to learn about the Moon and space science. Last year, 500,000 people in 122 countries participated.

“The Moon is the star on Oct. 21,” said Nicolle Zellner, chair of the physics department at Albion College. “But we’ll take a look at some other objects, too, including Jupiter and Saturn. We’ll also point out constellations and, even though we can’t predict it, we could see a meteor, as the Orionid Meteor shower will peak Oct. 20-21.”

Students from the newly reestablished Astronomy Club and the Earth and Environment Club will assist with the event, which is being sponsored as part of the NASA SSERVI CASA Moon grant received by Albion College. The CASA Moon grant includes support for public engagement activities, of which this observing event is one.

“With this observing event, we will share scientific discoveries and the excitement of science and scientific exploration,” Zellner said. “And we hope that this event generates interest in a new generation of scientists, including astronomers.”