NASA Hosts International Observe the Moon Night to Celebrate Artemis II and Lunar Exploration

On September 19, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, opened its Visitor Center for the annual International Observe the Moon Night. The free, family‑friendly event ran from 6 p. m. to 9 p. m. EDT and featured hands‑on activities, craft stations, a photo kiosk, and telescopes set up outside (weather permitting). Inside, visitors could view a real Apollo 14 Moon rock and hear Dr. Amanda Nahm discuss lunar science from Artemis II, followed by a technical presentation from visualizer Ernie Wright on how data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is turned into imagery. The program highlighted NASA’s ongoing lunar missions and offered a behind‑the‑scenes look at what made Artemis II’s first lunar orbit a success. Registration was optional, and the event was open rain or shine with free parking. For those unable to attend, NASA provided virtual participation options and a global call to observe the Moon.