SEP 24, 2012 – JTMP took part in the International Observe the Moon Night, where millions of people gathered around the world to observe the moon through telescopes, mostly comprised of amateurs in their backyard with small telescopes. The event hoped to spark interest in observing the moon, stars, and other celestial objects, and also to generate support funding for the sciences which is so important as a nation, which JTMP supports fully.
Also, the event was dedicated to Neil Armstrong, the first man to step foot on the moon and who passed away recently. The moon is one of the most recognizable, familiar and easy objects to observe with a telescope, and it is always a good starting point for beginners to start their astronomical hobby. But, not on a full moon as one would suspect, but on the "quarters". A full moon is too bright and the details are washed out. Twice a month, the moon has phases called "quarters", and it is much better to view the moon. So, we all gathered on September 22, 2012 on the third quarter of this month's lunar phase, and pointed our telescopes skyward. Find out more on http://observethemoonnight.org/.
If you are considering getting a telescope and looking at the moon, just make sure you get familiar with the telescope in the daytime, and set it up correctly and align the small finder scope with the large telescope; you can find out how here. If you get the alignment done before you go out at night, you will have better success. JTMP urges our followers to contact their state and federal representatives, and urge them to protect and expand funding for sciences in our classrooms, universities and government programs. Watch the video of my moon viewing here, but for better clarity get an amateur telescope yourself and check out the moon and stars!