Video: We test The Moonwalk at Science North

Mark Gentile rode the famous Science North gyroscope before it was decommissioned earlier this year, so of course we had to come back to check out the science center's new experiment

Before Science North's popular gyroscope experiment was shut down earlier this year as part of the Science Centre's Space Place update, we couldn't help but bring our readers on one last ride.

(For a little laugh, Watch our video From slightly middle-aged Sudbury.com editor Mark Gentile trying to use a gyro while hoping he doesn't throw up his back in the process).

With the reopening of Space Place this month, including the new immersive simulation experience The Moonwalk, we of course had to return to Science North to shoot another video.

Watch the video above of Gentili trying out The Moonwalk, which basically looks like a giant merry-go-round, big enough for adults. He seemed to enjoy the experience, despite some tight straps surrounding certain body parts.

Visitors will experience what it's like to move on the Moon with a counterbalance belt and a bridge to simulate one-sixth of Earth's gravity found on the Moon.

While the Gyroscope had specific height and weight restrictions, The Moonwalk is available to people of a much wider range of body sizes, from children to adults.

“You're actually getting the kind of experience that walking on the moon would be like,” said Olathe McIntyre, a scientist on the Science North team.

“We've offset five-sixths of your weight. You weigh one-sixth what you weigh on Earth. And we do that because the Moon is much smaller than Earth, so its gravity is much less. So when you're on the Moon, you actually can't even walk. You kind of do More jumps.

The Science North Space Place modernization includes a comprehensive modernization of its laboratories, highlighting Canada's pivotal role in humanity's return to the Moon through the Artemis program.

Artemis is “an international collaboration led by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency is a part of,” said McIntyre, who was at one point in the reality. A Canadian astronaut candidate herself.

“We already have a two-astronaut flight booked with Artemis because of the many contributions we make to the Artemis program.”

Visitors to Science North will gain insight into contributions such as Canadarm3 to the Lunar Gateway Space Station, and developments in artificial intelligence and lunar rover technology.

This initiative, supported by the Canadian Space Agency, is part of the 2022 Exhibitions to Engage Canadian Youth in Space Science through Hands-On Experiential Learning funding call for proposals.

A press release stated that the activated experiments aim to inspire people of all ages, and provide a platform to appreciate the significant contributions made by Canadians in various disciplines of space science.

Heidi Ulrichsen is the associate editor of Sudbury.com.