PRESS RELEASE

Learn about NASA’s return mission to the moon at IUK Observatory

KOKOMO, Ind. — In early 2026, four astronauts could take a giant leap into history as part of the first crewed flight toward the moon in more than 50 years.

Patrick Motl, Indiana University Kokomo professor of physics, will give an update on the Artemis II mission, which will circumnavigate the moon but not include a landing, at the campus Observatory’s first free open house of 2026, starting at 7 p.m. Sunday, January 11.

The Artemis program aims to return humans to the moon, establishing a long-term presence on the lunar south pole, as preparation for future missions to Mars. Humans have not gone to the moon since the December 1972 Apollo 17 mission. Artemis I launched in late 2022 with an uncrewed test flight around the moon. Artemis II could lift off as soon as February 2026. Artemis IIl will land the first astronauts, including the first woman and the first person of color, in a later mission.

After the presentation, stargazers may be able to see Jupiter and Saturn, along with highlights from the winter hexagon, through the Observatory’s telescopes. They include a six-inch Takahashi refracting telescope and a 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope mounted together. The Takahashi provides exceptionally sharp images of planets, while the Meade allows viewers to see fainter objects in the sky, due to its larger light-collecting area. 

Observation will continue through 9 p.m., weather permitting.

The Observatory is at 2660 S. Washington Street. Free parking is available on campus.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.