LPI to Host International Observe the Moon Event

InOMN is a worldwide celebration of lunar science and exploration. Image credit: Jim Hendrickson, Skyscrapers, Inc.

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston is hosting an International Observe the Moon (InOMN) public event from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016, where visitors of all ages can learn about lunar science and exploration.

The LPI event is one of 400 registered events in 47 countries to take place this weekend. LPI scientists will be available to answer questions about lunar science and exploration. Educators and scientists with NASA Johnson Space Center’s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate will be on hand with lunar samples. Weather permitting, lunar and night sky viewing will also take place outdoors.

“In 1966, spacecraft were sent to image the lunar surface from orbit in an effort to identify landing sites for the later Apollo missions,” says Andrew Shaner, Public Engagement Lead at the LPI. “Today, 50 years later, data is pouring back from spacecraft now orbiting the Moon. In addition, JSC and LPI scientists are taking a new look at samples returned by Apollo astronauts. All this new information is reshaping our understanding of Earth’s Moon. InOMN is all about celebrating this new understanding.”

Since 2010, a global network of lunar enthusiasts has come together for one day to celebrate InOMN. This annual, worldwide public event promotes lunar science and exploration, specifically, NASA’s modern exploration of the Moon. More information on InOMN can be found at http://observethemoonnight.org.

The LPI is located at 3600 Bay Area Boulevard in the Clear Lake region of Houston; the building entrance is located on Middlebrook Drive.