Our libraries team embarked on a ten-week challenge in February to examine how vegetation grows in lunar soil. 

Science is sprouting in the Pasco County Library System

After the growing period, we’ll submit our findings and showcase them at a virtual symposium on April 29 & 30, 2021, with NASA scientists and other researchers.

The challenge was issued by the Institute of Competition Scientists in collaboration with the University of Central Florida’s Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS) Exolith Lab, which, in turn, provided lunar soil simulant to our team to conduct the experiment. 

 “We are so excited for this unique opportunity,” says Hugh Embry Library Associate Sarah Pass.  “Our team, the MoonRakers, is attempting to find ways to grow plants effectively in a simulated moon base environment.  We hope our customers will enjoy this experience as much as we are.”

Everyone is welcome to stop by and see the plants growing in the center of the library.  You can also track the plants’ progress on Hugh Embry Library’s Facebook page.