The 2024 International Observe the Moon Night is Saturday, September 14, so Crossroads is collaborating with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society to celebrate the NASA-sponsored event. Crossroads' weekly 2:00 PM family program, Science Saturday, will feature the Moon. DPAS will open the Astronomy Campus for Moon Viewing that evening at 7:00 PM.
According to NASA," International Observe the Moon Night is a time to come together with fellow Moon enthusiasts and curious people worldwide. Everyone on Earth is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, participate in celestial observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon."
But why---when the famous Harvest Moon will "shine on" next week—would NASA select the First Quarter Moon for its annual observance?
Clearly (and DPAS will cancel if the sky is not clear), NASA astronomers know that the night of the Full Moon. [and this September, it will be a so-called "Super Moon"] is the worst night of the month for lunar observation. It's just too bright! A Full Moon is not so bright that it could damage your eyes like you would by looking directly at the Sun, but it's uncomfortable. However, observation difficulty goes beyond eye comfort.
When the Sun is shining directly on the Earth-facing surface of the Moon (which it does during a Full Moon) an earthbound observer does not see shadows. The Moon appears to be one-dimensional. It looks flat.
In contrast, during the First Quarter, we can observe crater rims and jagged mountains (especially along the center line separating the light and dark part of the Moon) because sunlight coming from the side results in dramatic shadows. Not only can we see the lunar features, but amazingly, the First Quarter Moon is only 1/11th as bright as the Full Moon because the shadows reduce the reflected light.
Demonstrations during Science Saturday will help learners of all ages visualize this phenomenon, learn how the craters were formed, and enjoy "moon snacks” while watching some NASA videos. No reservations are required, but please let us know if participants have dietary restrictions.)
Then, participants will be prepared to observe the Moon from home or elsewhere but will see it much better through telescopes and astronomical binoculars during the DPAS Moon Observation Night, which will be sponsored by the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society at 7:00 PM at the Astronomy Campus at 2200 Utah Street in Sturgeon Bay.
Crossroads after-school programs are underway. On Wednesday, September 11, at 3:30, elementary students will learn about insect mouthparts, and on Monday, September 11, at 3:30, the topic is insect galls. Families and interested adults are more than welcome to participate. For adults, we offer Wednesday Wandering, a naturalist-led hike exploring one of the distinct habitats of the Big Creek Preserve.
Wednesday, September 11
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
Join the naturalist on a guided hike through the meadow of Crossroads, observing the flowers that provide nectar for butterflies. No pre-registration is required. About an hour. Easy walking. Open to the public; Free thanks to the generosity of our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
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3:30 Nature Exploration: Insect Mouthparts
The program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome to learn about insect mouthparts. We start with a short video and then, using common household items, demonstrate the various ways insects eat their preferred food. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Saturday, September 14
2:00 Science Saturday: International Observe the Moon Night
This program for learners of all ages will prepare folks to participate in NASA's International Observe the Moon Night. Learners of all ages will find out how the craters were formed and why the moon has phases, and enjoy some "moon snacks” while watching some NASA videos. No reservations are required, but please let us know if participants have dietary restrictions.) Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay. Open to the public free of charge thanks to the generosity of our donors.
Monday, September 16
3:30 Nature Exploration: Insect Galls
This program is for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome to learn about insect galls. Then (weather permitting), the group will hit the trails on a gall scavenger hunt. No reservations are required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this program is open to the public free of charge.
Tuesday, September 17
6:30 Door County Beekeepers
At the monthly meeting of the Door County Beekeepers, presenter Peggy De Santo will present a program on wintering bees and storing equipment. The program will include a virtual presentation on “Hive Hugger” wraps. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
