IOMN: Let's Celebrate the Moon

Every year an International Observe the Moon Night (IOMN) is celebrated as an annual worldwide public event. This year, it is celebrated on 26th September, 2020.

Since the time we first glanced upon it, heard about it, learnt about it, the Moon has always been a fascinating object for us. We feel connected to the Moon. It may be a little child held in your arms pointing at it in the sky unaware of what it is, or it may be you looking at it with an awe every time you see it in the sky, we all share a personal and cultural connection with our closest celestial neighbour - the Moon. We try to include it in different ways in our lives. Some write beautiful poetry using it, some paint beautiful pictures, some perform some science experiments out of curiosity, some pass on the ancient tales, some celebrate festivals, some just observe and feel its serenity. In all possible ways, we try to be in touch with this fascination.

Many of us have grown learning in our school days about the historical event of first human landing on the Moon. And many of us have also dreamt to 'go to the Moon, touch its surface, jump on it, feel light just like Neel Armstrong did, some day when I grow up and become an astronaut'. Not all of us achieve that childhood dream. But yes, we do look at the moon every time with the same wonder. 

IOMN is a public celebration of lunar science and exploration held annually since 2010 to encourage observation, appreciation, and understanding of our Moon. 

Here are a few scientific facts about the Moon.

1. The Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth.

2. Revolution period, means it goes around our planet in about 27 days. 

3. Rotation period, means it completes one rotation around itself in about 27 days.

4. We can see only one side of the Moon.

5. Phases of the Moon occur due to its changing relative position with respect to the Earth and the Sun.

6. The Moon almost lacks an atmosphere. 

7. Its surface shows various features - Maria (dark areas we see on the surface - considered to be seas in ancient times), Terrae (highlands or regarded as land masses around the seas) and Craters (scars on the lunar surface formed due to impacts of meteorites etc.). 

On the occasion of IOMN, every Earthling is welcome to join the worldwide celebration by observing our closest celestial neighbour, the Moon.

Happy International Observe the Moon Night!

✍🏼 Sonal Thorve

More information about the event can be found here:

https://moon.nasa.gov/observe-the-moon-night/