THE UNIVERSITY of Reading is inviting members of the public to take part in an event marking International Observe the Moon Night.
Next month, the Whiteknights Campus will become an outdoor observatory featuring more than a dozen telescopes, giving more than 300 people the chance to get unprecedented views of the moon as part of a global event.
The evening will begin with a series of presentations from leading academics spanning multiple disciplines, catering for audiences of a range of ages before the main stargazing activities commence.
Special guest Daniel Tani, a NASA astronaut who conducted the 100th spacewalk on the International Space Station in 2007, has also recorded a special ten-minute presentation.
Cong Xa Li, Language Lead for Mandarin Chinese will explore the moon in Chinese culture, while Professor of Medieval History Anne Lawrence-Mathers will explore the moon in Medieval culture.
There will also be indoor demonstrations featuring orreries, gyroscopes, and a 3D moon model.
The event is held in collaboration with Reading Astronomical Society, who have provided the telescopes and volunteered to operate them.
The Royal Astronomical Society and the Troodos Observatory will also support the event with presentations in the case of bad weather.
Dr James O’Donoghue, the University of Reading planetary scientist spearheading this year’s event, explained: “Observe the Moon Night brings NASA and space science directly to people in their local communities.
“Our Moon is perfect for stargazing—it’s close enough that you can see details with just your eyes, but telescopes reveal so much more.
“We’re excited to show people how amazing the Moon really is and share the fascination humans have had with it for thousands of years.”
Registration is now open for the University of Reading’s International Observe the Moon Night, which takes place at Whiteknights Campus on Saturday, October 4.
Organisers are advising interested participants to register promptly, as availability for this annual event remains limited, and may fill up quickly.
Full details and registration are available via: research.reading.ac.uk/met-spate/international-observe-the-moon-night-2025
