Diviner Brings Science to SoCal School

The LRO Diviner Team partnered with Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills to facilitate NASA's annual International Observe the Moon Night on September 30, 2025, drawing over 300 students and families from across Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD).

The community event featured hands-on activities that brought space science directly to students. Students investigated how impact craters form and explored the visual science behind the changing phases of the Moon. Attendees looked through microscopes to examine authentic lunar soil samples up close. Team members introduced kids to specialized infrared cameras to show them how scientists measure shifting temperatures on the lunar surface. Using the LROC Quickmap software tool, families navigated high-resolution maps of unique geographical and surficial features on the Moon.

The inaugural science night was highly successful and was highlighted in the local newspaper, The Acorn. Due to the community's enthusiastic response, the Diviner team is actively collaborating with LVUSD to plan an even larger outreach event for this upcoming Fall.

Figure: Kids using microscopes to examine authentic lunar soil samples up close.

Figure: LRO Diviner team member, Dr. Pierre Williams, showcasing the Quickmap tool on Apollo landing sites.

Figure: Dr. David Paige, LRO Diviner PI, presenting on the NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, along with real-time thermal imaging tools.