Observe the Moon

Join us on the pier in front of Pioneer Works, alongside the historic Mary A. Whalen, for an evening of lunar science, exploration, and celestial observations. The Moon will be entering the first-quarter phase and in a good position for early viewing from our hamlet by the sea.

Telescopes will be on site and operated by members of the Amateur Astronomers Association. They'll guide you in viewing the Moon and other objects in the night sky, and explain what you're seeing.

Join geologist Samantha Tramontano for a hands-on Lunar Rock Lab, featuring real specimens on loan from the American Museum of Natural History alongside close-up lunar surface imagery. Get a firsthand look at the materials and terrain that make up our nearest celestial neighbor.

House of Speakeasy will provide a special space-focused selection of books in their Astromobile, all available for free. House of Speakeasy bookmobiles deliver new, free books throughout New York City and beyond!

The deck of PortSide’s flagship, the tanker Mary A. Whalen, will also be open during the event.

Rain date: Sunday, September 20. Same time and place, but the next day.

This event is part of NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night, an annual global celebration that invites everyone to learn about lunar science and exploration, and reflect on cultural and personal connections to the Moon. Learn more about NASA International Observe the Moon Night: here.

About our partners

About Amateur Astronomers Association is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit that promotes the study and public awareness of the cosmos through observing, education, outreach, astrophotography, and more. Learn more on their website.

PortSide NewYork’s mission is to create a model for NYC’s waterfront future via advocacy and direct service. We demonstrate how the harbor can provide jobs, green freight movement, education, culture, and recreation — and how to center maritime in NYC waterfront development. Our long-standing goal is to create a PortSide campus that serves the public and the working waterfront, a place larger than our historic ship Mary A. Whalen.

This program is presented in partnership with Amateur Astronomers Association and PortSide NewYork, and is supported by the Simons Foundation.