As holidays rank, it’s not up there with Christmas, Halloween or even Pi Day, but since the 1970s, July 20 has been National Moon Day in honor of the first American Moon landing in 1969. Here are some upcoming Moon and star-themed events taking place around the region.
Stories and images from the early U.S. space program are part of “Magnificent Desolation: Apollo 11 anniversary show” at the Washington State University Planetarium Friday and Sunday. Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Sunday. The multimedia talk will range from the first powered flight in 1903 to the 1969 landing. Admission is $5 cash. The planetarium is in 231 Sloan Hall on the Pullman campus.
The 1902 film classic “A Trip to the Moon” and footage from the 1969 Moon landing will be shown from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lewiston City Library.
Nimiipuu star stories will be shared at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at “A Universe of Stories Star Party” at the Heart of the Monster site outside Kooskia. A guest from the Nez Perce Tribe’s language program will share traditional stories in Nimiipuu. Telescopes will be available for star viewing. The event is being organized by the Kamiah and Kooskia libraries. Parking is limited at the site, so people are encouraged to carpool. The site is part of the Nez Perce National Historical Park and is at milepost 68.5 along Highway 12.
The Moscow Public Library will offer an introduction to telescopes, stargazing and the digital planetarium Stellarium by retired veterinarian and amateur astronomer Niles Reichardt July 29. The free program from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. is geared toward adults. Attendees will receive hands-on experience using telescopes the library has for checkout.
