By Carol Tannenhauser
Saturday night, October 1, is International Observe the Moon Night when “everyone on Earth is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon,” according to NASA’s website.
NASA offers instructions for observing the moon, the first one being “Look up.” If you’re feeling more adventureous, you can head over to 99th Street near Fifth Avenue, where the Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA) is holding its annual Autumn Starfest, with special guest hosts celebrity-astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and tv meteorologist Joe Rao.
Telescopes will be supplied by AAA members through which you’ll be able to see Jupiter (which, only days ago, was closer to the Earth than it has been since 1963), Saturn, star clusters, double stars, and other objects in the night sky.
Running from 7-10 pm, it’s free and for all ages. Stargazing is weather permitting.
Update: The AAA has been more specific about the weather, adding “Cancelled if raining.”
Is there a rain date? Saturday’s forecast is a tropical storm.