International Observe The Moon Night 2024

Thank you for your interest in our event. Our in-person event is now full, but we will now stream the talks Live on youtube thanks to the Royal Astronomical Society: https://www.youtube.com/live/_DiCla74oFY

International Observe the Moon Night is an annual event led by NASA, inviting people worldwide to explore lunar science, celebrate their cultural and personal connections to the Moon, and, if weather permits, participate in outdoor observations. This global event fosters a shared appreciation for the Moon and offers a unique opportunity to connect with others through astronomy and lunar exploration. A poster adverstising the International Observe the Moon night at the University of Reading. It shows a picture of the moon, and the silhouettes of observers and telescopes.

This year, on September 14th (19:00-21:45), the University of Reading is hosting a satellite event (excuse the pun), joining a collective nearly 1 million registered participants worldwide.

We are proud to be supported for this event by Reading Astronomical Society, the Royal Astronomical Society, the British Astronomical Society and Cyprus-based astronomer Agapios Elia!

Programme

TIME	ACTION	VENUE
19:00	Registration open Guests who are driving should park at Car Park 1A and walk to Edith Morley building to register at the Van Emden Lecture Theatre on the first floor. All will be signposted and travel information and a map are included below.	Car Park 1A Edith Morley building
19:30	Lecture Theatre doors close University of Reading talks commence: Dr. James O’Donoghue, Associate Professor in Planetary Astronomy: Introduction to Observe The Moon Night and astronomy of the Moon Professor Chris Scott, Professor in Space and Atmospheric Physics: Space weather on the Moon and Earth Cong Xia Li, Lecturer and Language Lead: The Moon in Chinese culture and the Chinese Moon Festival Professor Amy Smith, Professor of Classical Archaeology and Curator of the Ure Museum: The Moon in Ancient Athens’ Festival Calendar Dr. Tony Capstick, Associate Professor of Language and Migration: How language about the Moon has changed over time NEW: Zoom with remote astronomer Agapios Elia to see the Moon Live from Cyprus, led by Lucinda Offer of the Royal Astronomical Society and special guest, British Astronomical Association President, David Arditti, to talk about the Moon	Van Emden Lecture Theatre
20:35	In the event of GOOD weather 20:35 We will invite those of you who want to observe straight away to our Moon observations a short walk away on our Sports Field, featuring telescopes from the University of Reading and Reading Astronomical Society. 20:50 We will guide the remainder of you to the Moon observations on the sports field, feel free to continue enjoying the live stream and chat with Lucinda Offer, Agapios Elia and David Arditti Our field is protected by securities barriers, however please keep children with you at all times.	Sports Field
20:20	In the event of BAD weather We will stay indoors for a virtual tour of the Moon and a LIVE stream of the Moon from the clear skies of Cyprus, courtesy of Agapios Elia and led by the Royal Astronomical Society, with special guest, British Astronomical Association president, David Arditti	Van Emden Lecture Theatre
21:45	Event close and guests depart	Whiteknights

Transport and Travel

Detailed information about how to get to the University campus including a detailed map of the Whiteknights site can be found at: www.reading.ac.uk/find-us

Travelling by car and parking

We recommend you use the Shinfield Road or Pepper Lane entrance to the University (see link to Whiteknights map above) and follow event signs to Car Park 1A. Google Maps URL https://maps.app.goo.gl/BtZi2mNbB6v82WqPA or simply enter these coordinates into Google or Apple Maps: 51.442248, -0.950424. Parking on the University campuses is free, and no permit is required after 17:00 and at weekends.

Public Transport

The University is served by excellent public transport links. Bus and train information is given on the University website, see the link above. The mainline train station is served by a direct link bus service to the campus. The bus route travels through the Whiteknights campus; guests are advised to alight at the Whiteknights House bus stop. Guests can then follow event signs to the Edith Morley Building.

Map

Dress Code

Please wrap up warmly with plenty of layers, as the viewings will be taking place outside (weather permitting). Also wear warm, comfortable, flat shoes with non-slip soles. Your route will be guided with members of staff wearing hi-vis jackets, however we recommend bring a headtorch if you have one, or a fully charged mobile phone. Unfortunately we are unable to provide refreshments, however feel free to bring along your favourite warm (non-alcoholic!) beverage in a flask. Please dispose of litter and recycle responsibly. If you have your own binoculars or telescopes, feel free to bring them along! But please only do so at your own risk.

Accessibility

If you haven’t already done so, please contact us as soon as possible if you have any access requirements.

Contact Details

If you have any questions or queries in advance of the event, please contact us at james.odonoghue@reading.ac.uk. If you need to make, contact with us on the day of the event itself please call James O’Donoghue and 0118 378 5819.