Moon Rocks Land at St. Joseph School in Oradell

Being able to look at and touch moon rocks and meteorites that are an estimated 3.5 billion years old is something most people never get a chance to do. However, this morning, the students of St. Joe's in Oradell did.

A collection of authentic moon rocks and meteorites were delivered on loan to Saint Joseph science teacher Vicki Aquino, a NASA certified moon rock handler.

The exhibit was escorted to the school by St. Joseph alumni, Frank Papapietro, Chief of the New Milford Police Department. Papapietro is safeguarding the rocks while they are on-loan from NASA.

Eighth graders were the first to view the rocks along with pastor, Fr. Tom Iwanowski. Within a thin, glass cylinder, NASA had prepared small samples of moon rocks and soil samples that the students were able to hold and pass around to each other. They were also able to hold a piece of a meteorite in their hands and use a magnet to see if the rock contained any metals.

The students of Saint Joseph will spend the week examining the rocks, meteorites, and soil samples from the moon more closely using magnets and microscopes.

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