Martz-Kohl Observatory to take part in Observe the Moon Night Sept. 19
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FREWSBURG – The Martz-Kohl Observatory will host International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event is open to the public and will be held live at the observatory. It will not be streamed online.
Visitors will join more than 1.3 million observers across 127 countries and all seven continents in a NASA-sponsored global celebration of Earth’s nearest celestial neighbor. The evening is designed to be both entertaining and educational, appealing to curious first-timers and longtime skywatchers.
Each visitor will receive a current Moon map and learn the terminology astronomers use to describe lunar features -- the maria, craters, and highlands visible to the naked eye or through a telescope. Presenters will explain why the moon’s far side looks so different from the familiar near side, and why calling it the “dark side” is a common misconception.
The event includes multiple opportunities for questions and answers during the demonstrations and presentations. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, including moon-themed books for both adults and children and a large, internally lit 3D Moon globe.
Weather and sky conditions permitting, visitors will have the opportunity to view the moon through several telescopes. Because the observatory’s domes are not climate controlled and some telescopes are set up outdoors, attendees are encouraged to dress for outdoor conditions.
The Martz-Kohl Observatory, 176 Robbin Hill Road, Frewsburg, is operated by the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association Inc., a nonprofit organization devoted to amateur astronomy. The emphasis of the association is observational astronomy, education outreach, citizen science and enjoyment of the starry skies.