Take a ‘boo’ at the moon during Western Observatory event Saturday

Days before trick-or-treaters go door to door, space buffs in Southwestern Ontario will be treated to an opportunity to take a boo at the moon. Search for  aliens and zombies on the moon through Western’s very own 10-inch telescope at the Cronyn Observatory and learn about the process of uncovering mysterious Lunar crash sites from CSI-Moon investigator Dr. Phil Stooke.

Hands-on activities will include spooky moon puzzles, model rockets, edible rocks and a trip to the moon.

International Observe the Moon Night is an annual event — led by space agencies NASA, SSERVI, LPI and astronomy buffs — and is dedicated to encouraging observation, appreciation and understanding of our moon.

Western’s Cronyn Memorial Observatory will be the evening’s focal point, where the community can learn about our closest celestial neighbour and about several moons of other planets. Partners for the night are Western’s Center for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX) in collaboration with the Canadian Lunar Research Network (CLRN), the Department of Physics & Astronomy, Western Engineering Rocketry, The Planetary Society – London Chapter and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)- London Chapter.

IF YOU GO:

WHEN: Saturday, October 28, 5 – 9 p.m.

WHERE: Cronyn Memorial Observatory at Western University (free parking at Springett lot)

WHAT ELSE:  CSI-Moon, public talk by Prof. Phil Stooke; moon mapping, by PhD candidate Zachary Morse; How to make a moon, by PhD candidate Patrick Hill;  observation using Cronyn’s 10-inch main telescope as well as other telescopes; edible rock analysis, moon puzzles, trip to the moon and model rockets; arts and crafts for children; raffle draw

FOR MOREhttps://www.cpsx.uwo.ca/outreach/public_events/international_observe_the_moon_night.html

MEDIA CONTACT: Dr. Parshati Patel, CPSX Outreach Coordinator, ppatel54@ uwo.ca, 519-661-2111 ex 88508 or Deb Van Brenk, Media Relations Officer, deb.vanbrenk@uwo.ca, 519-661-2111 x85165

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