Space station and Saturn gatecrash University's Moon party
24 September 2024
More than 1,000 people online joined around 200 in person for the University of Reading's first ever Nasa Observe the Moon Night on Saturday.After hearing talks from the University's experts discussing the science, history and cultural significance of the Moon, those in person at the booked-out event had a chance to look through a series of the University's telescopes.
With perfect clear skies, scientists were able to point out not just the face of the Moon and its significant features, but also pointed their telescopes at Saturn's rings and moons, as well as a visit from the International Space Station passing overhead, and two fireballs burning up in the Earth's atmosphere.
Dr James O'Donohue, a space physicist from the University of Reading's Department of Meteorology, who organised the event, said: "The Moon is such an ever-present part of our lives that sometimes we forget to look and marvel at it.
"After decades of quieter activity, science and discovery about the Moon is happening thick and fast, and interest is building, which is perhaps reflected in the huge interest in our Observe the Moon Night in Reading.
"I hope that among the many people who attended online and in person we will have inspired many more people to find out about our solar system and discover more about the worlds around us."The more than 1,000 people joining the online event, via the Royal Astronomical Society, was the highest figure the Society had seen for a live streamed online event for over a year.
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