USER GUIDE
WHO CAN REGISTER?
Everyone! Provided you have a telescope or binoculars. You are an individual or a member of an association and you own a telescope? You are welcome !
WHY THE MOON?
FOR WHAT PUBLIC?
On the Moon Again aims to raise the eyes of all toward the night sky, especially those who have never had a real interest in the stars or who did not imagine that it was accessible and easy. We want to reach as many people as possible, and the largest number is on the street!
WHERE TO OBSERVE?
Where the pedestrian traffic is most intense! Going to an observatory or a scientific outreach structure requires anticipation and planning. This will only reach an informed public. In order to reach as many people as possible, it is therefore important to set up where people pass by. No need for a dark sky without city lights to observe the Moon. In the end, the best places are a city center, along a river bank, next to a tourist attraction, or in front of a popular café or restaurant. If you live in a small village or in a non-touristy place, you might set-up your instrument in front of your house and tell your neighbors and friends on the social networks to join you to observe! Of course you can open the doors of your personal observatory but the best is finally to give fresh air to your astronomical equipment and bring it where the general public is.
WHEN TO OBSERVE?
On the Moon Again will take place on Friday, June 14th, Saturday, June 15th, and Sunday, June 16th 2024. For a large section of the Earth’s population, this period is Summer and the weather may be expected to be good. These three dates were chosen because the phase of the moon is close to the first quarter, thus allowing quality observation of several hours just after the sunset. By observing during these two evenings around the world, there will be observers discovering the Moon continuously for 72 hours! On the Moon Again will begin on the evening of June 14th in the Pacific Ocean, Tonga or New Zealand and will also end in the Pacific Ocean on the evening of June 16th in Hawaii and Tahiti. This will be another way to realize that we all live on the same planet and under the same sky, as we did in 1969.
WHAT EQUIPMENT TO USE ?
The Moon has the advantage of being clearly visible with any astronomical equipment, from a pair of binoculars to telescopes of 20-30 cm in diameter, including the popular 60 mm, or 115 mm diameter telescopes. Your telescope has not seen the stars and taken the air for a long time? You just have to dust it and put it back on the ground. Obviously, the small instruments are practical because they are easily transportable in the street. If you have a non-motorized instrument, no problem! You will only have to put a low magnification (30-40x). This will allow you to center the Moon only once in a while (and show your visitors that the Earth is spinning!). Do not be stopped on the pretext that you do not have sophisticated equipment: you will be astonished to see how passers-by will be amazed to see the Moon in your 60 mm diameter telescope.
WHAT TO TELL TO THE PUBLIC?
The Moon impresses people all by itself! You will be surprised to discover the emotion after the first hesitant glance, then the desire to enjoy the show longer, to comment and share the beauty of the lunar landscape, like a tourist discovering the sea or being at the top of a mountain for the first time. If you have some more facts about the formation of the Moon, impact craters or the conquest of the moon or the first observations of Galileo, you will have a pleasant time with anyone you meet. Then, all you have to do is answer the flow of questions that will come naturally.
HOW TO COMMUNICATE?
On the Moon Again wants to be a catalyst of observers. Thousands of telescopes will be out on June, 14th, 15th and 16th, 2024. An international publicity campaign will be run in spring 2024 to encourage everyone to join this global event. From end of may 2024, a map of all observers by city will be accessible on this site. We will rely on you to communicate your whereabouts, and to encourage your friends to join us. Do not hesitate to talk to the local press and also to share your location for observation on social networks.
The strength of this event will depend on the momentum and community involvement of all participants. We rely on each of you to make On the Moon Again the three greatest astronomical nights in the world.
COMMUNICATE ON TWITTER
In order to share our experiences during these three days, only one hashtag #OnTheMoonAgain24