The Hardin Planetarium will be holding a special event today in observance of International Observe the Moon Night. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

International Observe the Moon Night began in 2010 as a “worldwide, public celebration of lunar science and exploration.” Hardin Planetarium has been involved in IOMN since 2013.

According to David Laney, an Observatory Exploration Scientist, the event last year involved some 611 events in 59 countries. NASA states “One day each year, everyone on Earth is invited to observe and learn about the Moon together, and to celebrate the cultural and personal connections we all have with Earth’s nearest neighbor.”

Laney promises that “the moon will be visible worldwide on the night of the 28th wherever the clouds don’t block the view, with the exception of regions near the north pole.” He also said the best time to view the moon is dusk or dawn, when shadows are the longest.

To celebrate International Observe the Moon Night, the Hardin Planetarium will be showing a special planetarium show beginning at 6 p.m. The show will include the “spooky” side of the moon, as well as moon music. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. As usual with Planetarium shows, late arrivals will not be granted admissions, so be sure to be on time!

If the weather cooperates, the celebration will continue with telescope viewing at 7 p.m.

Reporter Katie Daniels can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @authorkatielynn.