The Moon is nearly 240,000 miles away, but on Saturday, Sept. 19, Northern Nevada residents will have an opportunity to take a much closer look.

Western Nevada College’s Jack C. Davis Observatory (JCDO) will join people around the world in celebrating NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night, an annual free event highlighting lunar observation, science and exploration.

For those attending the 6:30 p.m. event, the Moon will be more than a bright object in the night sky. Through the observatory’s telescopes, visitors will be able to explore lunar craters, mountain ridges and other features that are difficult to appreciate with the naked eye.

JCDO Director Dr. Thomas Herring will lead a presentation about Earth’s closest celestial neighbor, sharing fascinating lunar statistics, a brief history of the Moon and the renewed efforts to return astronauts to the lunar surface through NASA’s Artemis program.

“When looking at the Moon, it’s actually pretty easy to make out detailed features such as craters and mountains,” Dr. Herring said. “These features will cast shadows. Seeing the shadow of a lunar mountain never gets old.”

The timing of International Observe the Moon Night is intentional. The event traditionally takes place near the first-quarter Moon, when the angle of sunlight creates prominent shadows across the lunar surface.

“Observing the terminator (the line where lunar daytime ‘terminates’ to darkness on the lunar night side) is where observers can see the most detail,” Dr. Herring said.

In addition to telescope viewing and Herring’s presentation, JCDO staff and volunteers are preparing several NASA-sponsored activities designed to make lunar science fun for visitors of all ages.

Participants can test their astrophysics knowledge in correlating the distance between Earth and the Moon. The winner will receive a prize. Children can explore the Moon through activity books and coloring pages, while visitors can also create their own Moon calendar.

“International Observe the Moon Night is a wonderful example of how the Jack C. Davis Observatory brings the excitement of science and exploration directly to our community,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Whether someone is looking through a telescope for the first time or has a lifelong passion for astronomy, events like this inspire curiosity and remind us that there is always more to discover. We’re proud to provide a place where students, families and community members can come together to learn, explore and experience the wonders of the universe.”

International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, along with numerous contributors. The worldwide celebration brings together skywatchers, educators, scientists and space enthusiasts to learn about the Moon and celebrate humanity’s continuing exploration of our celestial neighbor.

For Northern Nevada residents, JCDO offers the perfect place to look up, see the Moon in a whole new way and satisfy your curiosities.

JCDO is located at 2269 Vanpatten Ave. on the northern side of WNC’s Carson City campus.