Science at Sunset: International Observe the Moon Night

Saturday, September 14, 2024
1601 E University Blvd.
5:30PM to 10PM

Join Flandrau and friends from the University of Arizona's Lunar & Planetary Laboratory (LPL), Steward Observatory, and NOIRLab's Kitt Peak Observatory to observe and celebrate Earth's natural satellite, the Moon. This evening will feature free-standing telescopes, tours of Steward Observatory and the Raymond E. White, Jr. 21" telescope, science demonstrations, a lecture on the Lunar & Planetary Laboratory's moon research history, and planetarium shows.

Telescope viewing is dependent on weather and cloud cover.

International Observe the Moon Night Tickets

All-inclusive ticket - $25

$15 for Flandrau members!

Access to all Steward Observatory and free-standing telescopes (weather permitting)
Admission to Fladrau's science center exhibits and special activities
Live talk about the history of moon research from the Lunar & Planetary Laboratory
Planetarium show: Imagine the Moon
Astronomy star talk: "Tucson Sky" with live observatory feed from Kitt Peak (equipment permitting)

The last Science at Sunset event sold out in advance. An all-inclusive ticket guarantees you a seat to all presentations and shows. Seating is first come, first serve.

BUY TICKETS

Event Schedule

5:30PM to 10PM - Exhibits + Activities

Explore the Science Center

Reveal the marvels of the universe through science exhibits and special themed activities starting at 5:30PM. Flandrau staff will be on hand to help facilitate science demos in the Main Exhibit hall. Activities include Lunar Leap: How high could you jump on the moon and Moon Phases demonstration.

Lunar presentation at FLandrau planetarium

6:30PM - History of LPL Moon Research

Presentation in the planetarium: Gabe Gowman, Lunar & Planetary Laboratory graduate student

Sit back in the planetarium to explore the history of the Lunar & Planetary Laboratory's research on the Moon.

Steward observatory jr. 21 inch telescope

7PM-10PM - Steward Observatory Tours

Visit this historic starting point for Arizona astronomy

When the sun goes down and moonrise begins, head across Cherry Blvd. and take a 1-minute walk (directions) to the Steward Observatory to look through their 21-inch telescope (weather permitting) and get a tour of the storied area while you're there.

6:30-10PM - Telescopes on the UA Mall

Observe the moon with us!

As long as weather cooperates, Dobsonian telescopes from the Lunar & Planetary Lab will be out, too, on the UA Mall pointing towards the moon and other astronomical objects out.

8PM - Imagine the Moon

Southern Arizona premiere of an Alder Planetarium production

Explore how the Moon—our partner in space and companion in our sky—has inspired human creativity, learning, and exploration ever since looking up. The Moon has been a source of wonder for all of human history. Each discovery has brought new opportunities to contemplate and imagine, until, driven by dreams, we left Earth and went there in the amazing journeys that culminated in astronauts walking on the Moon.

9:15PM - Tucson Sky & Kitt Peak Livestream

Classic star talk with a feed from Kitt Peak

What astronomical points of interest are happening in our current night sky here in Tucson? Find out with this popular, guided star talk in the planetarium. Our friends from Kitt Peak will be piping in a live feed from their observatory (equipment permitting) to enhance the show! If the Kitt Peak live feed is unavailable, we will be presenting our full Tucson Sky & Beyond show.

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