WCU to celebrate moon landing with free program
WEST CHESTER >> West Chester University will celebrate the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon with a free July 13 program.
Nationally, the anniversary of the moon landing and first steps on the moon takes place on July 20 so this is a great lead-in to that wider celebration.
The evening begins with a talk (geared more for adults) by John Conrad, NASA Solar System Ambassador and a former leader in space programs for the Air Force, NASA, and the aerospace industry. If you like first-hand accounts of active participation in the space launch programs, this is your guy.
He’ll share his experiences, insights, and stories. Upon retirement, he was selected by NASA/JPL as a NASA Solar System Ambassador – a very high honor. He’ll do Q&A afterwards. 5 to 6 p.m., Main Hall 168 (auditorium).
Beginning at 6 p.m., there will be simultaneous activities for all ages next to the planetarium and on the Academic Quad (weather permitting). For example, Karen Schwarz, planetarium director and associate professor of Astronomy, has devised some creative ways to simulate an astronaut’s trip to the moon for children. They can make their own space suits and walk on a surface that simulates the moon’s.
Schwarz said that landing on the moon was “one the greatest achievements we have accomplished as a country.”
“It was an adventure that unified the country,” she said. “It was an important thing at the time.”
Schwarz said that NASA is not just reminiscing but still doing great things. She projected that astronauts would land on Mars within the next 50 years.
Free timed tickets will be given out at the Mather Planetarium door for a full-dome movie: “Apollo 11: Man’s First Steps onto the Moon.” Showings will run every half hour starting at 6 p.m. The Planetarium is in the Schmucker Science Center Link.
The event runs from 5 until 10 p.m. The moon will rise at 5:49 p.m. on July 13 and 90 percent of it will be visible; the full moon will be on July 16. Members of the Chester County Astronomical Society will have their telescopes out on the Academic Quad for viewing the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and other astronomical objects (weather dependent). They’re also great at Q&A.