InOMN 2019

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Oct 08

2019

by Norman Marigza

On the night of October 5, 2019 the Manila Street Astronomers community conducted several event setups for the International Observe the Moon Night. The group conducted lectures and free telescope viewings at Cavite, Mandaluyong, SM North EDSA, Angono, Mendiola, and Baguio. Other astronomy organizations and individuals also conducted their respective setups (unfortunately not all were registered).

At the start of the month the local astronomy community was worried due to cloudy and rainy skies accompanying Tropical Storm 19W (Onyok) that lasted until the night of October 4. From my end in Baguio City we had to cancel the telescope viewing during the UPB Astronomy lecture series on October 3 and 4 due to overcast skies. On the day of the InOMN the hourly forecasts did not seem favorable, but we still pushed through with the setup at Burnham park. Despite the poor forecast we were fortunate enough to observe the Moon for most of the duration of the setup. The setup was graced by students from various colleges in Baguio as well as individuals passing through/visiting the park. Participants were able to view the Moon up close and take afocal images with their smartphones. Other guests who stayed for a while to discuss also got a chance to view Saturn during moments when foot traffic was low.

We were fortunate enough that all MSA setups, and those of the rest of the astronomy community, were able to share the beauty of the Moon to the public through the telescopes.