Ruth Patrick Science Ed Center Hosts International Observe the Moon Night

Aiken, SC (09/09/2020) — The University of South Carolina Aiken's Ruth Patrick Science Education Center is joining NASA to host International Observe the Moon Night on Sept. 26, from 6 - 10 p.m.

The annual, free event on campus is sponsored by the Astronomy Club of Augusta, DuPont Planetarium, and the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Members of the Astronomy Club of Augusta will have telescopes available for COVID-safe viewing from 7 - 10 p.m. The Bechtel Telescope in the RPSEC Observatory will be available for COVID-safe viewing from 7:30 - 10 p.m.

"We invite everyone for a fun, safe evening of learning about our nearest neighbor in space," said Dr. Gary Senn, director of the RPSEC.

"To ensure the safety and security of our guests, we ask all visitors to observe the university's guidelines."

All guests must wear face coverings, maintain 6-foot separation between family groups and maintain 6-foot separation from telescopes. As an added feature, telescope viewing will be projected.

As part of the festivities, Planetarium shows will be hosted at the following times:

• 6 p.m. - Magic Tree House: Space Mission
• 7 p.m. - Seven Wonders
• 8 p.m. - To the Moon and Beyond
• 9 p.m. - To the Moon and Beyond

NASA celebrates International Observe the Moon Night as "a time to come together with fellow Moon enthusiasts and curious people worldwide," according to its website.

"Everyone on Earth is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon."

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