Lord Wandsworth College is no stranger to hosting visitors….  

But when those guests have travelled more than 230 thousand miles, they deserve a very special reception.

Genuine Moon rocks brought back to Earth on board the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions have been on display to LWC students, parents and staff this week.

The lunar soil and rock samples are the property of the US Government and are loaned to schools as part of the STFC Lunar Rocks and Meteorites Loan Scheme.

Students were able to view the rocks and handle meteorite samples as part of dedicated workshops.

LWC’s Teacher of Physics, Astronomy and Environmental Science, Dr Esther Haydock added, “These Moon rocks, collected during the Apollo missions are incredibly rare. This has been an amazing chance for our students to see a piece of space history up close, sparking their interest in science and space exploration.

Comments from students included, “I can’t believe I am holding part of another planet in my hands,” and “Are these from the actual moon?”

Maybe the Moon rocks will inspire someone from LWC to bring back a set of their own, on a future mission.