There are hundreds of moons orbiting the planets of our solar system. Jupiter has more than 100, and Saturn has even more. In 1975, the International Astronomical Union created an official process for naming the moons of Jupiter after the lovers and descendants of the ancient Roman God, Jupiter. Only one moon in our solar system is called “The Moon”: ours.
The Moon is more thoroughly explored than the bottom of the Earth’s ocean. It’s the source of countless fables and stories throughout human history. It’s Earth’s closest neighbor. But how often do we nonscientists take the time to really look at it?
On Saturday, Sept. 19, Innisfree Garden in Millbrook will host a special event in celebration of International Observe the Moon Night. The annual event, started by NASA in 2010, invites people around the world to observe, appreciate and learn about the Moon. Inspired by the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, the event has sparked hundreds of official and unofficial gatherings of scientists, amateur astronomers and curious folks looking for a clear view of that celestial body.
The event at Innisfree is more than just looking up at the sky, though that certainly is part of it. It’s hosted in conjunction with the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Society, a nonprofit group of amateur astronomy enthusiasts in the area. NASA, however, is the principal organization responsible for such events. Each year, it designates a Saturday evening in autumn, which aligns with a waxing gibbous moon-phase. It aims for a perfect half-moon, as the shadows and level of illumination during that phase make viewing easier and more dramatic, but the Moon has yet to comply with requests to accommodate our earthly calendar.
The Mid-Hudson Astronomical Society will place telescopes throughout Innisfree, allowing attendees to view the Moon from slightly different angles using a variety of equipment. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, as even a little extra magnification can really enhance the view.
As the sun sets and the Moon takes the night’s stage, award-winning science writer Corey S. Powell will give an informal talk about the Moon’s history and importance to humanity. Powell has served as editor-in-chief of Discover and American Scientist magazines. He has worked with famed science educator Bill Nye on the television programs “Bill Nye Saves the World” and “The End is Nye,” as well as his “Science Rules” podcast.
While the event is open to everyone, a little personal restraint is required to be part of the program. Attendees will be asked to keep their phone screens on low and use only red-light flashlights so as not to ruin other visitors’ night vision.
The event is also an opportunity to explore Innisfree at night, when the gardens are usually closed to everyone but opportunistic wildlife. Will they be observing the moon as well? To find out, make your reservation at innisfreegarden.org.
