Observe the Moon Night at Mary A. Whalen – Brooklyn, NY

Join us on the waterfront just west of Pioneer Works, alongside PortSide NewYork’s historic ship 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 provided by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who will guide you in using them and explain what you’re seeing. You can also learn from PortSide and a teenage Brooklyn SeaScout about a maritime sextant, a tool used for navigation that determines the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, such as the Moon, Sun, or Stars.

This event is part of NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night, an annual global celebration of the Moon, and is presented in partnership with the Amateur Astronomers Association of NY and PortSide. After the Moon viewing activities, PortSide will be screening the related film City Dark in the same parking lot next to the Mary A. Whalen; more info on PortSide’s website: here.

This event is weather permitting. If skies don’t cooperate, we’ll gather on the rain date: Sunday, October 5, 2025.

About Amateur Astronomers Association

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

About PortSide NewYork

PortSide NewYork is a living lab for better urban waterways located aboard the historic oil tanker Mary A. Whalen in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The nonprofit connects New Yorkers to the benefits of our harbor, bringing WaterStories to life across arts, advocacy, education, workforce development, resiliency, and public access. Learn more on their website.