So, What Does Sudbury Have to Do With the Moon?

Engaging, thought provoking lectures by experts, professors and storytellers in Ottawa bars 📚Lecture: So, What Does Sudbury Have to Do With the Moon? ⏱️Time: Doors: 6pm Lecture: 7pm 🎤Speaker: Tabetha Sheppard (Earth Scientist & Science Communicator) What do a 1.85-billion-year-old impact crater, one of the world's most important mining regions, NASA astronauts, and one of the most ambitious environmental reclamation projects in Canada have all have in common? Sudbury, Ontario! This lecture will explore the wild geological and human history of Sudbury, Ontario, beginning more than 1.85 billion years ago when a massive comet struck the region and created the second largest known impact structure on Earth. That geological event helped create the mineral deposits that would eventually make Sudbury one of the world's most important nickel mining operations. We will explore how the Sudbury impact crater formed, the city’s mining history, and how Sudbury became connected to the apollo space program, even being mentioned by name on the moon! Additionally, Sudbury's environmental reclamation story is now internationally recognized! The city that was once barren and damaged has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years all thanks to community coming together to help the land. From geology and mining to space exploration and local history, the lecture will look at Sudbury’s journey from 1.85 billion years ago to today, and why this Northern Ontario city deserves a lot more attention! Tabetha Sheppard is an earth scientist with a passion for planet earth, impact craters and history! She studied geology and planetary science at uOttawa and Western University before earning a master’s in science communication from Laurentian University. Today, she works with science centers and museums to help make science spaces more welcoming, equitable, and accessible for everyone. Driven by the simple joy of picking up a cool rock, Tabetha loves helping people see the fascinating geological history hidden right under their feet.