FAQ

International Observe the Moon Night Questions & Answers

When is International Observe the Moon Night?

International Observe the Moon Night occurs annually in September or October, when the Moon is around first quarter. The first quarter Moon is great for late-afternoon and evening observing.

Upcoming dates for International Observe the Moon Night:

• Saturday, September 19, 2026
• Friday, September 10, 2027

If we are unable to participate or host our event on International Observe the Moon Night, can we still officially observe on another day?

Though we encourage everyone to observe on a specific date each year, we understand that this date may not work for everyone. You are welcome to participate on a different day. Participation can mean looking at the Moon, learning about lunar science and exploration, honoring personal and cultural connections to our nearest celestial neighbor, and more.  We encourage you to observe as close to the official date as possible, because we select dates that are close to a first quarter Moon, which is visible in the afternoon and evening ― a convenient time for most event hosts and participants.

It's raining, or cloudy, where I am. Can I still participate?

Yes! There are so many ways to observe the Moon, no matter the weather. Visit these pages for ideas:

• Rain or Shine Resources
• Multimedia Resources
• 10 Ways to Observe the Moon From Home

Are there materials to promote my event?

Yes! Visit our Multimedia collection to browse graphics and other resources, including: 

• Save the Date Postcard 
• Press Release Template
• Fillable Event Flyer
• Official Logos and Style Guide
• Presentation Graphics
• Display Banners

Do you have hands-on activities that we can use at our event?

Yes! Here are some of our recommended activities. 

How is each year's International Observe the Moon Night date selected?

International Observe the Moon Night occurs each year on a Saturday in September or October when the Moon is around first quarter. 

First quarter is a great phase for lunar observing, offering dramatic views through a telescope or pair of binoculars. Along the line between lunar day and night, shadows enhance our view of the Moon’s rugged terrain, just like views at sunrise and sunset here on Earth are beautiful when the shadows are long. And, during this phase, the Moon is high in the sky in the evening (a time that works well for most of our event hosts). 

Saturday was selected because, according to our evaluation data, this day works well for most of our event hosts. The time of year remains consistent to accommodate our team’s year-round work on the program and to provide a degree of predictability for event hosts. Finally, we do our best to avoid major religious holidays tied to the lunar calendar. 

No date works for everyone in our community, so the program is set up to be flexible. Our event registration system handles events scheduled up to several days before and after the main program date.

How can we get a scientist as a speaker, or other local support for our event?

Here are some great places to start your search for in-person and/or virtual help (find more on our Find a Partner page):

• The Museum & Informal Education (MIE) Alliance is a network of informal education organizations including museums, planetariums, libraries, and more, who offer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education services and programming.
• NASA Engages is a public outreach program connecting NASA experts with a wide range of audiences through educational, professional, and community events.
• NASA's Night Sky Network connects local astronomy clubs with those interested in hosting events to bring the wonders of the universe to the public.
• NASA Solar System Ambassadors are space enthusiasts who volunteer to organize or attend community events where they talk about recent discoveries, upcoming milestones in space science, and future NASA missions. (Check a database of local Solar System Ambassadors in your area.)

Can we get an astronaut to come to our event?

Follow these links to request a NASA astronaut or speaker.

Do you have a map of the Moon?

Each year, we make maps of the Moon with sites that will be visible on International Observe the Moon Night. The 2025 Moon Map is available here, and you can visit the Event Materials page for more resources.

Looking for an interactive Moon map you can use any day of the year? Try NASA's Daily Moon Guide. 

Can my class or educational group participate?

Of course! Individual classes or groups can participate in whatever way best fits your needs, interests, and available resources. Or, you may wish to take an interdisciplinary approach and get the whole school involved.

A few ideas are listed here: Art teachers might feature or have students create Moon-inspired art. Music teachers might share Moon-inspired songs. History teachers might discuss or have students research the history of the Moon or space exploration. Social studies teachers might share Moon-related stories or traditions from cultures around the world. Language arts teachers and librarians might highlight Moon-inspired words, books, or poems. Science teachers might discuss lunar science and observation. Engineering classes might build lunar spacecraft models.

You may also be interested in this year's featured activities and resource collections.