On May 8th, members of the Physics Department's outreach team joined forces with In St. Louis for St. Louis to bring the wonders of space science to the community during the Missouri History Museum's Twilight Thursday concert series. 

Graduate students Janna May Angeles, Nicole Osborn, and Bryce Wedig, along with postdoctoral researcher Dr. Abhay Vidwans and Research Professor Dr. Jeffery Gillis, captivated concertgoers with hands-on activities and engaging discussions about planetary science and exploration. The team also shared the inspiring story of WashU alumna Patricia Bridges, who combined art and science to help map the Moon for NASA—work that played a crucial role in guiding Apollo astronauts to their historic lunar landing.

A highlight of the evening was the rare opportunity for attendees to touch genuine meteorite samples form the Moon and Mars, generously provided by Dr. Gillis. As music from a Gladys Knight tribute band filled the air, visitors used their imaginations to explore the cosmic journey of these extraterrestrial rocks, discussing how they traveled through space to reach Earth. It was an evening where science, met soul. 

Both the outreach team and members of the public left enriched by the experience—especially those lucky enough to receive a special "I touched Mars and the Moon" sticker to commemorate their brush with space history. 

This was one of many efforts by the department's outreach team to be an active part of our St. Louis community—enriching minds, provoking curiosity, and engaging with discovery across the city.