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Space Science Events
Starry Nights
2018 Dates and Times:
| Dates | Observing | Event |
|---|---|---|
| January 5 | 6 - 8 p.m. | First Friday - Lunar Eclipse Preview |
| January 31 | 5 - 7 a.m. | Super Blue Moon Eclipse |
| February 2 | 6 - 8 p.m. | First Friday - Da Vinci: Preview |
| March 2 | 7 - 9 p.m. | First Friday - Da Vinci: Anatomy |
| April 6 | 8 - 9 p.m. | First Friday - Da Vinci: Flight |
| April 18 | 8 - 9 p.m. | Sandia Mt. Stargazing |
| May 4 | 8:30 - 9 p.m. | First Friday - Da Vinci: Futurist |
| June 1 | 8:30 - 9 p.m. | First Friday - Da Vinci: Technology |
| June 30 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Asteroid Day |
| July 6 | 8:30 - 9 p.m. | First Friday - Da Vinci: Earh Sci. |
| August 3 | 8:30 - 9 p.m. | First Friday: Mars Close Encounter |
| September 7 | 8 - 9 p.m. | First Friday |
| September 12 | 8 - 9 p.m. | Sandia Mt. Stargazing |
| September 21 | TBA | Plutopalooza |
| October 5 | 7 - 9 p.m. | First Friday - Pluto |
| October 20 | 7 - 9 p.m. | Intl. Observe the Moon Night |
| November 2 | 7 - 9 p.m. | First Friday |
| November 26 | 12 - 4 p.m. | InSight Lands on Mars |
| December 7 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Old Town Holiday Stroll |
In 2018, we're offering monthly night-sky observing opportunities to coincide with museum, local, or international events. More specific information about each activity will be updated below as the day draws closer. These events are subject to change and may happen at locations other than the museum.
Members of local astronomy groups will help you study the moon and stars through a variety of telescopes. Each event will feature any visible planets and other interesting objects in the sky.
The observing part of any event may be canceled when the sky is cloudy. If weather conditions are in question, check the museum's Facebook page for updates an hour before each event is scheduled to begin: https://www.facebook.com/NMMNHS
Upcoming Events
October 20, 2018 - 7:00pm
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science will celebrate 2018’s International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, October 20, 7-9 p.m., weather permitting. This is a free event. A donation box will be available for anyone wishing to contribute to the Museum’s educational programs.
International Observe the Moon Night is an annual worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of our Moon and its connection to NASA planetary science and exploration. The event connects scientists, educators, and lunar enthusiasts from around the world.
In additions to seeing the moon through the big telescope in the Museum Observatory and a few smaller optical devices; videos, information sheets, and fun hands-on activities about the moon and current space missions studying it will also be offered. The planets Mars and Saturn may also be visible.
Please note the front doors of the museum will open at 7 p.m. If the sky is cloudy on the evening of October 20, this event will be canceled and the museum will remain closed. If the event is canceled, a notice will be posted on the Museum’s Facebook page by 6 p.m.: https://www.facebook.com/NMMNHS
This museum event is supported by local astronomy societies. International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission and partners. LRO is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
For more information about International Observe the Moon Night, visit: www.moon.nasa.gov/observe
For more information about LRO, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/lro