International Observe the Moon Night
with a special presentation by Galileo
and a celebration of NASA's 2026 launch of the
Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

International Observe the Moon Week occurs annually in September or October, when the Moon is around first quarter.

New England Sci-Tech often holds public telescope nights and planetarium shows in conjunction with Mass STEM Week and International Observe The Moon Week. Free and open to the public. RSVP required.

This year, 2026, International Observe the Moon Night falls on Saturday, September 19. Join us for a celebration of NASA's launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and look at the moon through our large 12" diameter telescope!

In addition, Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer, will discuss (in English) his discovery of craters on the Moon and four moons around Jupiter. Very entertaining for children!

Registration required. Space is limited. No walk-ins permitted.

Program is for families with children in grades 1-8. No additional siblings below grade 1 are permitted in the facility. No babies, no toddlers.

Schedule and Sign Up Links:

• Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:30-9:00 PM - Public Telescope Night outside on the terrace. 
• Saturday, September 19, 2026, Register HERE for:
  • 6:00 PM - Greetings and Reception. Light refreshments served.
  • 6:15-6:30 PM - ROMAN SPACE TELESCOPE presentation.
    
  • 6:30-7:30 PM - GALILEO himself!  Presentation in persona.
• Saturday, September 19, 2026, 7:30-9:00 PM - Public Telescope Night outside on the terrace.

Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

Information published on https://science.nasa.gov/mission/roman-space-telescope/roman-science/. Go there for more information.

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will settle essential questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets, and astrophysics.

Named after NASA’s first chief astronomer, the ‘mother of the Hubble Space Telescope,’ the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will have a field of view at least 100 times larger than Hubble's, potentially measuring light from a billion galaxies in its lifetime. This observatory will also be able to block starlight to directly see exoplanets and planet-forming disks, complete a statistical census of planetary systems in our galaxy, and settle essential questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics.

Dark Energy
Roman will help illuminate the dark energy puzzle by using multiple methods to explore how the universe has evolved throughout cosmic history.

Exoplanets
In little more than a generation, we’ve gone from knowing only of our own solar system to finding thousands of more distant worlds, known as exoplanets. As new exoplanet discoveries continue to pour in, scientists are building an ever-more-complete catalog of the worlds that grace our galaxy.

Dark Matter
Scientists are trying to determine what dark matter is made of, but our current understanding has many gaps. Roman will provide clarity by exploring the structure and distribution of both normal matter and dark matter across space and time.

Observing with Roman Surveys
The Roman Space Telescope's exquisite sensitivity and fast survey speed will unveil the evolving universe in ways that have never been possible before.

Large Area Near-Infrared Surveys 
While Roman is designed to probe specific topics like dark energy, its wide, deep observations will provide a treasure trove of data scientists can also use for a broad range of additional investigations.

GALILEO

 

INTERNATIONAL OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT — SEP 19, 2026

SHOW:  6:30-7:30 in the Maker Space

Featuring actor-educator Mike Francis

Mike brings astronomy to life with his Stars Science Theater programs. A Physical Science and Physics teacher and formerly a lecturer for ten years at the Charles Hayden Planetarium at Boston's Museum of Science, Mike combines the science of astronomy with the dramatic skills of an actor. Whether portraying Galileo, building a solar system as the Stargazer's Apprentice or narrating a tour of the current night sky in his Starlab traveling planetarium, Mike shares his love of the heavens with schools, libraries, museums and other special events across the country.

Planetarium Show On International Observe the Moon Night*

LOSING THE DARK

 

Starry skies are a vanishing treasure because light pollution is washing away our view of the cosmos. It not only threatens astronomy, it disrupts wildlife, and affects human health. The yellow glows over cities and towns - seen so clearly from space - are testament to the billions spent in wasted energy from lighting up the sky.

 

Losing the Dark is a "public service announcement" planetarium show, a collaboration of Loch Ness Productions and the International Dark-Sky Association. It introduces and illustrates some of the issues regarding light pollution, and suggests three simple actions people can take to help mitigate it.

 

Produced by Loch Ness Productions.

Light pollution; All ages; 6:24

* Timing and number of shows depends on numbers of people present and available staff that night.

Goals of International Observe the Moon Night:

1. Unite people across the globe in a celebration of lunar observation, science, and exploration.

2. Provide information, a platform, and resources in order to:

   • Raise awareness of NASA’s lunar science and exploration programs.

   • Empower people to learn more about the Moon and space science and exploration, using Earth’s Moon as an accessible entry point.

   • Facilitate sharing of Moon-inspired stories, images, artwork, and more.

   • Inspire continued observation of the Moon, the sky, and the world around us.

   • Support all people who are interested in learning more about, and connecting to, the Moon.

In 2026 we will have a visit by Galileo, celebrate NASA's launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and celebrate International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, September 19, 7:30-9:00 pm.  We will also have the telescope out on Friday, September 18, 7:30-9:00 pm, weather permitting.

WHAT WILL YOU SEE?  Use NASA's Daily Moon Guide, and interactive page, to see what features of the Moon will be visible on any day of the year.