News: celebrate the Moon at Illinois State University’s International Observe the Moon Night
NORMAL, IL – The Illinois State University planetarium, in collaboration wiht the ISU Astronomy Club and Twin City Amateur Astronomers, will host a free International Observe the Moon Night event on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
The event, held at the ISU Planetarium, will begin with hands-on activities celebrating the moon at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Following the activities, attendees will have the opportunity to view the moon through large telescopes during an astronomical observing session at 8 p.m., weather permitting.
International Observe the Moon Night is a global, public event designed to encourage observation of, appreciation for, and understanding of Earth’s moon, and its connection to space science, exploration, and human culture. The annual event unites scientists,educators,and lunar enthusiasts worldwide.
This year’s event is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, alongside numerous other contributors. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in greenbelt,Maryland manages the LRO mission for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington,D.C.
The ISU Planetarium is located in the Felmley Hall of Science Annex, at the corner of College Avenue and School Street in Normal. Free parking is available in the University’s red-tagged F-67 surface lot, located on the east side of School Street, a short walk from the Planetarium.
For more data about international Observe the Moon Night, visit https://moon.nasa.gov/observe. Details about the ISU Planetarium event, including information about bringing school or community groups, can be found by calling (309) 438-2496 or visiting https://planetarium.illinoisstate.edu.
