The 2024 International Observe the Moon Night is Saturday, September 14, so Crossroads is collaborating with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) to celebrate the NASA-sponsored event. Crossroads’ weekly 2:00 p.m. family program, Science Saturday, will feature the Moon. That evening, DPAS will open the Astronomy Campus for Moon Viewing at 7:00 p.m.

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, take part 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 their 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 not comfortable.  But 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 about how the craters were formed and enjoy “moon snacks” while watching some NASA videos. No reservations are required but if participants have dietary restrictions, please let us know.) 

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 p.m. at the Astronomy Campus at 2200 Utah Street in Sturgeon Bay.

Crossroads after-school programs are underway. On Wednesday, September 11 at 3:30 p.m., elementary students will learn about insect mouthparts and on Monday, September 11 at 3:30 p.m. the topic is insect galls. Families and interested adults are more than welcome to participate. And for adults, we offer Wednesday Wandering, a naturalist-led hike exploring one of the distinct habitats of the Big Creek Preserve.  

– by Coggin Heeringa, Interpretive Naturalist

For more information please check out our Crossroads calendar or stop by the Collins Learning Center and pick up a printed calendar. Our trails are open all day every day, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of donors like you.

Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve is located at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. Crossroads is a 501(c)3 organization committed to offering education, conducting research and land restoration, and providing outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. We welcome your support. 

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Upcoming Activities

Monday, September 9

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Nature Exploration – Creatures Under Rocks

This after-school program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome to learn about the insects and other creatures which hide under the rocks when the creek is low. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of our donors.

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Wednesday, September 11

1:00 – 2:00 pm Wandering Wednesdays – Native Flowers of Meadow Trail

Join the naturalist on a guided hike through the meadow of Crossroads, observing the flowers that provide nectar for butterflies. No preregistration required. About an hour. Easy walking. Open to the public; Free thanks to the generosity of our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

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3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Nature Exploration – Insect Mouthparts

Learn about the insect mouth parts which enable insects to eat their preferred food. Demonstrations and (weather permitting) outdoor netting. This program is geared to elementary students but is open to learners of all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of our donors.

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Friday, September 13

1:00 – 2:00 pm Friday Afternoons with Bertha – Hanson House Tour

Delve into the past recalling of history by touring the Hans and Bertha Hanson House hearing stories of Big Creek and The Cove Estuary from a costumed interpreter. Meet at the Hanson House. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors. 2022 Utah Street (across from The Cove Estuary).

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Saturday, September 14

2:00 – 4:00 pm Science Saturday – International Observe the Moon Day

Crossroads, partnering with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society, will offer programs and activities to encourage people to participate in NASA’s celebration of our Moon during this annual international celebration. Participants will enjoy a variety of activities provided by NASA. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.

7:00 – 9:00 pm DPAS – International Observe the Moon Night

The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will have telescopes and astronomical binoculars on hand to help visitors see the fascinating features of our first quarter Moon. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Astronomy Campus, 2200 Utah St, Sturgeon Bay.