International Observe the Moon Night at The Illinois State University Planetarium

The Illinois State University Planetarium, ISU Astronomy Club, and Twin City Amateur Astronomers are collaborating to host a free International Observe the Moon Night event on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Held at the ISU Planetarium, the show will feature hands-on activities to celebrate the moon at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. An astronomical observing session, using large telescopes, will follow at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

International Observe the Moon Night is a worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation and understanding of our moon and its connection to space science, exploration, and human culture. This annual event connects scientists, educators and lunar enthusiasts from around the world.

International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, with many contributors. LRO is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, 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 intersection of College Avenue and School Street in Normal. Free parking is available a short distance from the ISU Planetarium in the University's red-tagged F-67 surface lot, found on the east side of School Street.

To learn more about International Observe the Moon Night, visit https://moon.nasa.gov/observe. For more information, including bringing a school or community group to the Planetarium, call (309) 438-2496 or visit https://planetarium.illinoisstate.edu.