By Daria Munroe, Staff Writer
Students gathered on campus on April 22 at 5:30 p.m. to watch the different moon phases and to look up at the stars. As the sun lingered in the evening, the Astronomy Club had a clever plan. Instead of wasting daylight waiting for the stars, they kicked off the night with a nostalgic cinematic journey. All the students gathered to watch “Apollo 13,” an iconic tale of space exploration. Inside the Cannon Memorial Library conference room, the atmosphere was buzzing.
With pizza boxes stacked high, drinks in hand, and even LEGO sets laid out for fun, there was no shortage of activities. Yet, as “Apollo 13” began, it was clear the movie stole the show. Every seat was filled; students were captivated by the drama of space exploration before they’d even stepped outside. It was the perfect build-up for real-life stargazing to come.
“One small thing can change a situation, but everyone working together is what got the astronauts back,” explained freshman robotics and AI major Sarah Ingram.
Ingram highlighted the powerful message of teamwork in the film. She confessed this was her first time watching the film, and it did not disappoint.
Saint Leo University librarian, Doris VanKampen, shared that she didn’t know there were things on the moon that were named after people on earth, and that it interested her about how everyone in the film used problem-solving and was able to collaborate and work remotely as well.
“The people on the ground were helping the people up in space,” VanKampen stated.
As night finally fell, the crowd moved outside to catch a glimpse of the moon and stars. With the moon now in full view, curiosity began to flourish among everyone there. The moonlight lit up the campus scenery and kept the students in awe; the moon seemed far away but was really close through the telescope.
Senior biology major Janneth Feria Martinez expressed that she “finds space exploration to be pushing boundaries for not only people interested in space but other disciplinary areas, it’s definitely something that should still be pursued.” She also talked about how astronauts are always under constant pressure.
“If the moon disappeared tomorrow, the tides, seashells, would be greatly missed and the effects it has on the ocean,” said Martinez.
“Future inspiration outside of this area is needed so that we can find different chemicals, ingredients, rocks, or even life that help make us new medicine for future generations,” reflected Valeria Rondon, a senior studying pre-med.
From her experience, a discovery like this can be major for her field of study and the Earth’s ecosystem and life.
Saint Leo physics professor Dr. Harsha Perera explained that if events like this on campus were held more often, students would be more interested in scientific knowledge like this.
“Seeing the moon up close, I believe that it will start the curiosity in everybody’s mind because of the recent events happening lately, like the Artemis II that went around the moon, so maybe in the future there’s a chance of us landing on the moon again,” said Perera.
As the night continued, more students gathered around the telescope, patiently waiting for their turn to take a closer look. Conversations sparked between strangers, turning into shared moments of excitement as each person stepped away from the lens with a sense of amazement.
The Astronomy Club members guided students and faculty through what they were seeing, pointing out details on the moon’s surface and explaining how its phases change over time. Their enthusiasm was contagious, encouraging even those unfamiliar with astronomy to ask questions and engage more deeply. What began as a simple campus event quickly transformed into an interactive learning experience that blended science with curiosity.
Events like this highlight the importance of stepping outside the classroom and into real-world exploration. Whether through a film that captures the challenges of space travel or a telescope that brings the moon closer into view, students were reminded of the endless possibilities that exist beyond Earth.
As the night ended, one thing was clear: the Astronomy Club didn’t just provide an opportunity to observe the moon—they created a space for connection, discovery, and inspiration. Under the same sky, students left not only with a better understanding of the moon but with a renewed sense of wonder about the universe around them. To many, it was more than just an event; it was a reminder that even on a small campus, big discoveries and meaningful moments can happen.
