The moon is not made of cheese, that was confirmed by College Park teacher Cornelius Krahn in a fact-filled presentation called Get to Know the Earth’s Moon in the school’s theatre on Nov. 7.
About 30 people of all ages turned up hoping for a chance to view what Krahn called “a beautiful crescent moon” from the school’s rooftop observatory.
Unfortunately, clouds blocked the moon before anyone could see it through the telescope.
Everyone who came, however, was stoked to learn more about the moon, knowing a chance to view it from the lens of the telescope is always weather permitting.
One big fan of the moon is Shauna Weinkauf, who brought four of her young kids to the free event.
“I’ve always liked the moon, ever since I was little kid, so it was something fun to bring them to because they like to look at the moon when it’s out,” said Weinkauf.
“So, it’s something fun for us to do as a family together tonight.”
Her eight-year-old daughter, Maddie, who attends Jack Kemp Community School, was hoping to learn more about Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon.
“I’m usually very curious about stuff,” she explained.
The presentation aimed to uncover both the scientific and cultural significance of the moon, offering participants insight into how it shapes our world and impacts our lives.
It also touched on humanity’s ongoing journey to explore the lunar surface and gain a new appreciation for its captivating details.
Krahn demonstrated the texture of the lunar surface by dropping different-sized spheres into a mix of flour, icing sugar, and cinnamon.
“We know from this demonstration, the surface of the moon is a lot of dust,” he said.
Krahn says if he had his druthers, he’d walk on the moon himself or explore outer space.
“I may not be physically fit enough for it, but it would definitely be a dream of mine to experience that,” he said.
In 2015, College Park students got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to speak to Canadian astronaut David Saint Jacques in the International Space Station with a ham radio.
One of Jacques’ quotes “From Space You Can’t See Borders” is etched on a school door window to inspire others to explore or study the universe.
Krahn says the telescope is a wonderful learning addition for Lloydminster as well as for students.
“The opportunity to see the solar system at our school could inspire the next Chris Hatfield or Jacques,” said Krahn. “We try to get kids involved in space and have them go out to the telescope. The eclipse last year was a fun event for our students to experience in our lifetime.”
Another avid moon watcher who came to learn more was Richard Starke.
He says he’s been interested in astronomy since he was a little kid and hoped to view the moon through the school telescope.
“I saw the telescope when the school was opened in 2015 and I have been wanting to come back and see it in use,” he said.
He noted he and his wife recently bought themselves a telescope to pursue their astronomy interest.
“We’ve been enjoying looking at celestial bodies,” said Starke.
College Park hosted another event on the birth and collapse of stars on Nov. 19 featuring a virtual presentation by two guest PhD students from the University of Alberta.
Krahn says they will also reschedule a previously-cancelled presentation on astrophotography by a guest speaker from Saskatoon who couldn’t make it.
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