You know what celestial object I think often gets overlooked [at least in my circle of friends]? The Moon. However, I think that's going to change. On June 18, 2009 NASA launched the LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter). LRO and LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) are the first missions in NASA's plan to return humans to the moon and begin establishing a lunar outpost by 2020. To celebrate this achievement, we have the International Observe the Moon Night, which will be held on September 18, 2010. The mission of this event is to educate the general public, amateur astronomers and general space science enthusiasts in NASA's involvement in lunar research and exploration. So what do they want us to do? Share! Learn! The moon is the closest celestial object to us - it's right next door, and we still have to much yet to learn from it. So about observing the moon - you don't need a telescope. Binoculars would be great, and even if you only have your naked eye, there is still much beauty to see. It's one thing just just stare at the moon, but much more fun to get intimate with it. Go to the InOMN site and get yourself a copy of this moon map, and see if you can identify these major lunar landmarks. Identifying these parts of our moon will not only make the object seem less alien to you, but hopefully spark an interest in space exploration. Have fun!
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