Gannon University’s Science Sunday gave families the chance to ask an astronomer any space-related questions they have and learn about what lies beyond our world.
With the Center for Lake Erie Education and Research’s global display system, a replica Apollo spacesuit and real lunar materials on display, families learned about all things space throughout the afternoon.
“It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, honestly, I mean, it’s not like you can see an astronomer every single day,” said Addy Seelinger, an attendee.
“I think this gets people up close to things, you know, we can show people the moon in the sky, but what we can’t really do is let them, you know, walk up to something that people would either wear or carry into space with them, so it creates a bit more of a connection with the kinds of things you might actually experience in terms of space flight and astronomy,” said Dr. David Horne, a professor of physics at Gannon University.
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This Science Sunday aligns with a rare month that will feature two full moons. It also came just in time to talk about the recent Artemis II mission.
“I think this is gonna become far more important than it has been for say, the last 50 years, actually, so I think in terms of space, the next generation of technology, the next generation of people are growing up with more technologies that need to be developed in space,” said Dr. Horne.
Organizers said events like this are really about getting people engaged with science in a hands-on way and encouraging them to stay curious.
“I think that’s where people really relate to things, instead of just being told what something looks like or just being shown something on a screen. We’re so used to just picking up a screen and looking at something on a screen now and getting the breakdown,” said Dr. Horne.
The event gave young learners a chance to not only explore space but also what they want to be when they grow up.
“I would either like to be an astronaut myself or would be a teacher at my school,” said Seelinger.
Next week, Gannon University will hold a “Go Fish!” Science Sunday that will give families an opportunity to learn about all things marine life.
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