September 30, 2025

Public invited to Ferris State’s Rawlinson Observatory as astronomers celebrate International Observe the Moon Night

a professor looking through a telescope at an observatory — Assistant professor of Astronomy Dinesh Shetty looking through the telescope in Ferris State's Rawlinson Observatory.

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —

The public is invited to join the Ferris State University astronomers to participate in International Observe the Moon Night and get an up-close view.

The event is planned for Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 to 10 pm. starting in the Science Building and ending with telescopes on Robinson Quad.

International Observe the Moon Night is a global event that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of our moon and its connection to space science, exploration, and human culture. This annual event connects scientists, educators, and lunar enthusiasts from around the world.

Assistant professor of Physics and Astronomy Dinesh Shetty said the event includes a short presentation on ARTEMIS II – NASA’s return-to-the-moon program – in room 102 of the Science Building, followed by a guided tour of the Rawlinson Observatory.

The evening is capped off with a telescope viewing of the moon in Robinson Quad.

International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, with many contributors.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Additional information about International Observe the Moon Night is available online at NASA's website.