"International Observe the Moon Night" is an annual public outreach event sponsored by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and other NASA and astronomical organizations that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of the Moon and its connection to planetary science and exploration.
"International Observe the Moon Night" is a time to come together with fellow Moon enthusiasts and curious people worldwide. Everyone on Earth is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon. Everyone is encouraged to interpret "observe" broadly.
"International Observe the Moon Night" occurs annually in September or October, when the Moon is around first quarter — a great phase for evening observing. A first-quarter Moon offers excellent viewing opportunities along the terminator (the line between night and day), where shadows enhance the Moon's cratered landscape.
On October 4, 2025, to acknowledge "International Observe the Moon Night", NASA Space Apps Yonkers (United States) hosted an in-person event at YWCA Yonkers in New York, in partnership with Yonkers Public Library, and collaboration with NASA Space Apps Seoul (South Korea) for virtual participation. By connecting with fellow lunar enthusiasts around the world, the 10th anniversary of the documentary "Planetary" (https://weareplanetary.com) was celebrated. All attendees received a Certificate of Participation, issued by Sir Shefik Macauley (Managing Director and Local Lead, NASA Space Apps Yonkers).
Initially released in 2015, "Planetary" is a provocative and breathtaking wakeup call, and a cross-continental cinematic journey, that explores our cosmic origins and our future as a species. "Planetary" is a poetic and humbling reminder that it is time to shift our perspective.
"Planetary" asks us to rethink who we really are, to reconsider our relationship with ourselves, each other, and the world around us — to remember that we are PLANETARY. In a stunning visual exploration, the documentary interweaves imagery from the Apollo missions of NASA, with visions of the Milky Way, Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas, and the cacophonous sounds of downtown Tokyo and Manhattan.
"Planetary" also incorporates intimate interviews from renowned experts, including astronauts Ron Garan (a native of Yonkers, New York) and Mae Jemison (the first African-American woman in space), celebrated environmentalist Bill McKibben, National Book Award winner Barry Lopez, anthropologist Wade Davis, Dr. Elizabeth Lindsey (National Geographic's first Polynesian Explorer and female Fellow), and His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa (leader of the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism). They shed new light on the ways our worldview is profoundly affecting life on our planet.
Certificate of Participation for Carol Blakes
"International Observe the Moon Night" is an annual public outreach event sponsored by NASA and astronomical organizations that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of the Moon and its connection to planetary science and exploration.
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
