Welcome to International Observe The Moon Night 2025 at the University of Reading!
International Observe the Moon Night, led by NASA, is an annual global celebration inviting people to explore lunar science, reflect on cultural, historical, and personal connections to the Moon. Nearly one million people worldwide are expected to take part this year.
On Saturday 4 October (19:10–21:40), the University of Reading will host its own satellite event, supported by the Reading Astronomical Society, the Royal Astronomical Society, the British Astronomical Society, and Cyprus-based astronomer Agapios Elia at the Troodos Observatory.
The programme features a blend of indoor talks and outdoor telescope observing, serving both as a weather-proof contingency and as a way for online audiences to take part. If the weather is clear, visitors will be guided outside to view the Moon through telescopes. If not, the event continues indoors with a live Moon feed from Cyprus and additional astronomy content.
All ages are welcomed: we have crayons and drawing materials for the youngest, and a small demonstration table with several interesting space-themed demonstrations located indoors.
A special highlight will be a pre-recorded presentation by NASA astronaut Daniel Tani, who carried out the 100th spacewalk on the International Space Station in 2007, prepared exclusively for our Observe the Moon Night audience!
Apologies, but we have a maximum in-person capacity of 350 attendees for this event and the number of registrants has exceeded this. Kindly fill in the details in the form here if you’d like to be added to our waiting list, so that we can email you when other people cancel: https://forms.gle/NnxWLscnipVbzXxK8
The online live stream will broadcast 19:00-21:00: https://www.youtube.com/live/RJd4zDodzpY
No registration is required for the livestream.
Note: we have a maximum in-person capacity of 350 attendees: if the number of registrants exceeds 350, the form above will close and a waiting list link will be added, which will be used to email you in the event of cancellations. The talks and live feed from Cyprus will be broadcast live on Youtube courtesy of the Royal Astronomical Society, and a link will be made available in due course.
Programme
| TIME | ACTION | VENUE |
| 18:40 | Registration open
Guests who are driving should park at Car Park 1A and walk to the Palmer Building to sign-in. A map is included below and staff will be in the building to guide you to the lecture theatre: G10. |
Palmer building,
Room G10 |
| 19:10 | Talks/livestream begins
|
Palmer building,
Room G10 (and online) |
| 20:00 | In the event of GOOD weather
We will invite those of you who want to observe straight away to our Moon observations a short walk away in the quad outside of the Palmer building, featuring telescopes from the University of Reading and Reading Astronomical Society. We also have a demonstration table indoors including a large 3D Moon globe, orrery, gyroscopes and drawing materials for kids. Please keep children with you at all times. |
Palmer Quad |
| 20:00 | In the event of BAD weather
We will stay indoors for a LIVE stream of the Moon from a large observatory in Cyprus, courtesy of Agapios Elia and led by the Royal Astronomical Society. We also have a demonstration table indoors including a large 3D Moon globe, orrery, gyroscopes and drawing materials for kids. |
G10, Palmer building |
| 21:40 | 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
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.
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 at this date/time; no permit is required after 17:00 and at weekends.
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 Crystal Yip at c.yip@reading.ac.uk or 0118 378 5932. If you need to contact us on the day of the event please call Crystal Yip at 0757 065 2243.