Now, amid the dire times, just how does the MSA – which is dedicated to sharing the wonders of the cosmos – adjust to a health crisis that prevents such gatherings?The moon as seen through a telescope. Image: courtesy of Coleen SantosWhile the planet is under quarantine, the universe was still kind enough to provide some relief by stirring up some astronomical phenomena.
With the so-called “astro-season” spanning October to May, Santos points out that the lockdown that started in March did not force them to immediately adjust to the pandemic. Following the pandemic-induced trend of conducting everything online, the MSA was still able to give the public free viewing of an astronomical event, albeit virtually.
Apollo 11’s historic lunar landing is one of Gary Andreassen’s earliest and fondest childhood memories. For someone fortunate enough to have been alive at that time, why wouldn’t it be? He was only 3 years old on July 16, 1969 – a day that for sure inspired millions of future amateur and professional astronomers all over the planet.
“I have to share this with everybody else!” he recalls telling himself. Around three months later, he bought another telescope, this time a bit bigger and better than his first. Then in 2014, he held the MSA’s first-ever FTV. Andreassen moved to Canada in 2017, yet the mission he started in the Philippines goes on. He still aids the MSA back home while conducting FTVs for his new neighbors.
“I saw some signs that say, ‘FREE TELESCOPE VIEWING’ so I lined up, and I was able to view the Moon and Jupiter for the second time in my life,” Santos says. Even with these bugging her mind, Santos the following week spotted the MSA again; only this time, she swallowed her fear and asked for the opportunity to become a volunteer. Now, years later, she is among the core group members.
Santos shares that whenever they encounter educators during their FTVs, they would encourage them to invite the MSA to conduct free lectures. “We customize different programs depending on the need and the request of the schools, and we also consider the grade level and amount of students that will be covered by the event.”
I can attest to this noble goal, as I believe that I will not be able to take that majestic look at the moon to this day if they did not visit my university back then. Having volunteers from all walks of life, the MSA’s public outreach events likewise do not cater only to one sector of society.
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