The UTA Observatory and College of Science will host International Observe the Moon Night on the top floor of the Park Central parking garage from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
NASA’s annual International Observe the Moon Night encourages people around the world to observe the moon. The moon will be at or close to the first-quarter phase.
According to NASA, a first-quarter moon offers excellent viewing opportunities along the terminator, the line between night and day, where shadows enhance the moon's cratered landscape.
Planetarium program coordinator McKenna Dowd said they will have a 16-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, meaning it has two mirrors: a primary and a secondary mirror to help focus the light into the eyepiece. This is the largest telescope they have.
The observatory will also feature a smaller 11-inch telescope, multiple 8-inch telescopes and a 6-inch telescope for viewing.
Dowd said that spectators are welcome to bring their own observing equipment and the event will feature free food and water, glow sticks and chairs for attendees while supplies last.
“It's an event for moon lovers and anyone who loves to look up at the sky to come together and celebrate and observe the moon, and just share curiosity and wonder for our night sky and our moon,” Dowd said.
The event is free, apart from parking. Instructions to obtain a parking permit for the event can be found on the observatory’s website.
@wall035203