This event was started in 1973 by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California.

His intent was to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that passersby could enjoy views of the heavens.

It was scheduled to occur on a Saturday between mid-September and mid-October so as to be on or close to the first quarter Moon.

The Astronomical League canceled the in-person event in 2020 due to the global pandemic of COVID-19 virus.

[3] Some organizations, such as the Lowell Observatory, hosted virtual events to continue the tradition.