A SCOTTISH university has launched a mission to “walk to the moon” in just 150 days.
Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing joined Stirling University students for the challenge, organised to mark 50 years since the first moon landing on July 20, 1969.
The university community will attempt to clock-up 238,855 miles – the distance between Earth and the moon – over the next five months, aiming to eclipse the target before the landmark anniversary.
The ambitious challenge is the brainchild of Professor Maggie Cusack, dean of the faculty of natural sciences, and Cathy Gallagher, director of sport.
Professor Cusack said: “The landing of Apollo 11 on the moon in July 1969 was a momentous occasion – and one which, today, arguably remains humanity’s greatest-ever feat of exploration. Fifty years on, the world’s space agencies continue to push the boundaries in an attempt to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the Universe – and we are proud that Stirling scientists are among the teams working on some of the latest major international missions.
“We wanted to mark this special anniversary with a unique event that would not only pay tribute to the success of the Apollo 11 mission, but also involve all of our staff and students. There’s no better way to celebrate than taking our own giant leap and walking all the way to the moon.”
Hundreds gathered outside the University’s Cottrell Building to count down to the launch of the challenge, before FitzPatrick cut the ribbon and sent the first walkers on their way.
The minster said: “I am delighted to join staff, students and members of the wider university community to launch their Walk to the moon. The Scottish Government welcomes all initiatives to improve the health of the nation by increasing levels of physical activity and we support work that champions everyday walking as the way to a happier, healthier Scotland.”
Staff and students will record
their mileage using a smartphone app that will deduct each individual’s contribution from the overall total – which equates to around 478 million steps.
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