When the moon hits your eye…

ACROSS the world on the evening of Saturday 21 October, people will head outside, and look up, as part of Observe the Moon Night.

As part of the global initiative, the Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum is participating in the celebrations and offering a great view of the moon in the city.

From 7.30pm to 9.30pm people are invited to the observatory for a tour of the site, a presentation from an astronomer, and a viewing of the moon through a telescope.

Observatory manager Judith Bailey said the event will encourage an appreciation and better understanding of the moon, space science, and exploration.

“It’s one of the best times to view the moon, which will be a stunning, waxing crescent of seven days old, offering great opportunities for viewing along the terminator; the line between night and day,” she said.

“You can look at as many photos on web as you like, but it’s not the same as seeing the moon through a telescope. It’s good for children to see in person as well.

“Viewers’ responses are remarkable. It’s an important community service, inspiring young children in science.

“We try to join in with as many international and Australian events as we can to promote STEM education.”

Attendees can also expect to see Saturn and other stellar objects through the telescope, however, if the weather is cloudy, there will be a virtual night sky tour instead.

International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre.

Bookings are essential via trybooking.com/CJFSP with tickets $35 for adults, $25 for concession card holders and students over 18, $15 for children aged five to 17, and free for children four and under.