Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin changed the world forever when they stepped on the moon’s surface on July 20, 1969. An enormous American victory, it also served as a scientific advancement that has inspired young minds for 57 years. To honor this achievement, the scientific community celebrates Moon Day every July. This Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Frontiers of Flight Museum will celebrate Moon Day by looking at the past, present and future of space exploration, according to a press release.
Celebrate Moon Day and space achievement via the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
The Smithsonian-affiliated museum has observed this special day since 2009, on or near the anniversary of the first moon landing, to celebrate space exploration. The festival is a STEM-focused, space-themed event that continues to attract attendees from North Texas and beyond. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy interactive activities, unique exhibits, space-themed presentations, and authentic space history — including the Apollo 7 Command Module and the only moon rock on display in North Texas.
“We hold this event each year to inspire the next generation of space explorers, who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures,” said Frontiers of Flight Museum CEO Abigail Erickson-Torres. “Our hands-on activities and unique exhibits make for an enjoyable, educational day.”
Guests will also be able to hear from the legendary American astronaut, Col. Carl Walz, USAF, Retired, at 1:30 p.m. He will be the keynote speaker for Moon Day, describing his 231 days in space over four different flights, including his 196-day Expedition-4 mission on the International Space Station. Walz also spent over 18 hours on three spacewalks, evaluating tools for the refurbishment of the Hubble Space Telescope and outfitting the International Space Station.
Another highlight of the day is the screening of “The Day We Walked on the Moon,” a documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. It features actor Mark Armstrong, son of Neil Armstrong, as well as NASA heroes Mike Collins, who piloted the Apollo Command Module, Flight Director Gene Kranz and Apollo CAPCOM Charlie Duke. The film also includes thoughts of leading scientists, including astrophysicist Dr. Brian May, or as he is better known, the lead guitarist for the British band Queen.
While enjoying the Moon Day festivities, families are also encouraged to explore the museum’s more than 40 air and space vehicles, 20 galleries and displays, and more than 35,000 historic artifacts. Kids can fly to any destination they can imagine, become air traffic controllers in the Frontiers of Flight Museum Airport Control Tower, and even practice being a Jumbo Jet pilot.
Tickets for Moon Day are available here.
The museum, as an institution committed to education, also offers special programming for K-12 teachers. Pre-registration is required; for access to the form please email education@flightmuseum.com. Upon arrival, visit the Information Booth at the event to sign in and receive a tracking sheet. You may earn up to six credit hours by attending the entire day and enough presentations. You will receive their certificate after turning in the tracking sheet.
