By Makala Thibodeau

We are not your ordinary science club. Along with studying the vast universe that surrounds us and toying around with the idea of making thermite, SMCC’s Association of Cosmic Explorers (ACE) occasionally travels out of state to join in scientific and social events, visit observatories, camp on islands, and explore the pale blue dot we call home.

We’ve accomplished many exciting activities in the past, such as traveling to Boston on numerous occasions, engaging with one another in the halls of museums and sites such as the Boston Museum of Science, MIT’s museum, and Skywalk at the Prudential Center. We made a point to stand firmly with science by joining our allies around the globe during the April 20, 2017, March for Science.

Boston isn’t our only ideal destination to travel. We’ve traveled north to the University of Maine-Orono’s Emera Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium, and we keep a constant eye out for star parties up north. We also host our own Star Parties right here at SMCC!

Our biggest trip yet has been our summer trip to Wyoming! An ACE crew pooled together and managed to swing a cross-country road trip to Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to witness the total solar eclipse. With a rented seven-passenger mothership, the ACE crew camped their way across the country for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For photos regarding this journey, follow ACE on Instagram at southern.maine.ace.

Our future events consist of Star Parties, and a trip to New York next semester! If you’re wondering what Star Parties are, they are events typically hosted in the Hildreth building. They consist of pizza (of course!), Sci-Fi movies, and the visible universe to be admired through our telescopes and binoculars. Star Parties are the perfect opportunity to check us out and have a fantastic time!

Our usual meeting time is on Tuesdays in room 211 in the Hildreth building at 6 p.m.! Any cancellations will be announced on our Facebook page, @ACE (SMCC’s Association of Cosmic Explorers). We’d love to see you there!