For many, the moon is a celestial body that announces the coming of night. For others, this natural satellite is the inspiration for numerous scientific studies, songs, literature, and, at the time, was crucial to the creation of calendars.
Francisco Andoles, LRO’s director of operations, is betting that the next mission will be International Moon Observing Night This event organized by NASA next Saturday, October 21, is specifically a place to observe, appreciate and learn about the peculiarities of the Moon.
“We’re trying to promote that the whole world is watching the moon and wants to know more about it, but not just doing that. If not, they should talk about how culture influences On mythology, art, music and writing.
Although the Puerto Rican scientist usually observes the celestial body from his office at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday he will be part of the group of onlookers who will watch, appreciate and even share stories about the satellite.
Although we can observe the different lunar phases throughout the year, the agency suggests this night engagement with the Moon in its crescent phase because it is ideal for appreciating craters and other details that cannot be easily observed when this star is in its other phase.
“The Moon has a very scientific aspect to what we do here at NASA, especially the observatory here. From its history and what’s happening on it now and how we’ll be able to use it later as ARTEMIS missions launch and establish bases on the Moon. But in terms of that part it’s the humanitarian part, the cultural part, and how It affects the tides, how it illuminates us at night, and well… we will share. There will be millions of people who see the same moon as you, and sometimes, we forget that we share all of that. The expert commented: “It is the same moon that our ancestors saw and it is What our grandchildren will see.”
Places to see the moon and stars in Central Florida
Although moongazing is an activity you can do from your backyard, Andols recommended staying away from big cities for a unique experience.
Seeing the star in the corridor between Tampa and Orlando or Fort Lauderdale and Miami is a good option for Floridians who want to enjoy the sky in a different way than what they see every day in the state’s major cities.
Another alternative, in Andoules’ opinion, is to visit state or national parks, or simply large parks, to prevent light pollution from affecting your experience of space.
Below, we give you five options for where you can observe the moon this Saturday:
- Kissimmee Prairie Reserve State Park
- University of Central Florida
- Grand Cypress National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Astronaut Memorial Observatory and Planetarium in Brevard County
It should be noted that for some places you must book and request a permit in advance because the entrance closes to the public before dark.
5 strange facts about the moon
NASA expert Andols shared five facts to remember when you see the moon on Saturday or any other time you decide to appreciate this celestial body:
1. Every year there are two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses.
2. The coldest point in the entire solar system is located on the Moon.
3. There are seismic movements on the surface of the moon.
4. There are tunnels through which magma passes.
5. There are holes that could serve as future shelter for astronauts in the event of solar storms or cosmic radiation storms.
According to the scientist, last year more than one million people participated in 125 countries and all seven continents.
To participate in this NASA event, You must register at this link. This allows the agency to count the people in the world who have participated in the initiative. You can also use the tag on social media #Watch the moon Thus documenting your experience with the moon.
“Beer enthusiast. Subtly charming alcohol junkie. Wannabe internet buff. Typical pop culture lover.”