Highlander
Courtesy of Pexels
April 1, also known as April Foolsâ Day is traditionally a day where people make practical jokes or create hoaxes. However, the Riverside Astronomical Society, in collaboration with UCRâs Department of Physics and Astronomy, hosted a fun trivia-filled event which aimed at debunking common misconceptions within the field of astronomy. In other words, they werenât fooling around.
The event started promptly at 8 p.m. with co-host Xinnan Du, who is part of the public outreach program for UCRâs Department of Physics and Astronomy, and John Liderbach-Vega, the outreach director for RAS, introducing themselves to the audience. Both of them were very upbeat and excited to be hosting the event.
Highlander
Adriana Angel /The Highlander
During my childhood, I often gazed upon the night sky and stared in awe at the moon that was seemingly following me. After grasping the concept of distance and sadly realizing the moon was not following me, I still looked up at the moon to admire its beauty. Ever since, I wished I could witness it up close, and on Jan. 21, I was finally able to bear witness to the moon in all its glory albeit virtually.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy, alongside the Riverside Astronomical Society (RAS), hosted an interactive and fun virtual stargazing event of the moon. It was co-hosted by Xinnan Du, who is in charge of outreach for UCR’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, and John Liderbach-Vega, outreach director for RAS. Alongside the two, members of the RAS such as Jose Castro, Brian Cox, Manny Leinz and Alex McConohay could be seen each giving a tour of specific parts of the moon later on.