This global event invited everyone who is interested in learning more about, and connecting to, the Moon. As Dr. Gillis explained, “The Moon is a great entry point for being engaged with space science and exploration because it can be seen despite light pollution or the need for a telescope, and it’s the only object in our Solar System that humans have set foot on.”

Under clear skies, guests enjoyed spectacular views of the Moon through the historic Crow Observatory telescope, spotting craters and mountain ranges in striking detail. Alongside the telescope viewing, visitors enjoyed pizza and Moon Pies and got a rare close-up look at rocks from the Moon and Mars, as well as meteorites.

International Observe the Moon Night is an annual event coordinated by NASA, The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission, and partners around the world, designed to raise awareness and understanding of the Moon’s role in science and exploration. By participating, the WashU community joined thousands of observers across the world in celebrating the wonder of our closest celestial neighbor. 

Whether it was someone seeing the Moon through a telescope for the very first time or a seasoned scientist sharing stories about past lunar missions or how Earth got its Moon, the night served as a reminder of one simple truth – sometimes, the best way to explore the Universe is just to step outside and look up!

The Crow Observatory is open on clear evenings during the fall and spring semesters, Monday through Friday from 7-10pm during standard time and 8-10pm during daylight savings time. Visits are free and open to the public. Email crowobservatory@wustl.edu to learn more and schedule a visit. Visit our website to read more about the history of the Crow Observatory.