By Thehas Dayaratne (Web Content Team)
On March 3, 2025, Trinity College became a gateway to the stars as the TCK Astronomical Society hosted an event that ignited curiosity and wonder in students of all ages. The TCK Astronomy Workshop wasn’t just another school event—it was an experience, an opportunity to dive deep into the mysteries of the universe through interactive sessions, hands-on experiments, and an unforgettable guest lecture.
A Morning with Dr. Henry Throop
The day began with a special guest lecturer—Dr. Henry Throop, a renowned planetary scientist whose work has contributed to some of NASA’s most exciting space missions. The atmosphere in the assembly hall was electric as he took the stage. Here was someone who had worked on space missions, studied planets up close, and explored the vastness of the cosmos in ways most of us could only dream of.
Dr. Throop didn’t just present a lecture—he told a story. From studying distant worlds to witnessing the raw beauty of space exploration firsthand, his words painted a picture of a universe filled with endless possibilities. He spoke about NASA’s discoveries, planetary science, and the future of space missions in a way that made the complex feel accessible, the distant feel near, and the impossible feel achievable.
But what made his visit truly special was the way he connected with students. After the assembly, Dr. Throop visited multiple classrooms, engaging in discussions that went beyond textbooks. He answered questions, sparked debates, and left students with a newfound appreciation for the universe—turning the dream of planetary exploration into something real.
Afternoon Workshop at Napier Hall
At 3 PM, Napier Hall transformed into a hub of scientific discovery as 115 eager middle school students gathered for a special workshop led by Dr. Throop. The session was divided into three exciting parts:
- Exploring the Universe – The workshop began with an engaging lecture where Dr. Throop broke down planetary science in a way that made even the most mind-boggling concepts feel relatable. Students learned about how planets form, what makes them unique, and the latest discoveries in our solar system.
- Water Rocket Building – The hands-on segment saw students forming teams to design and launch their own water rockets. With guidance from Dr. Throop, they explored the physics of rocketry, aerodynamics, and propulsion, all while having an absolute blast. The energy in the room was infectious—learning had never been this fun.
- Stargazing Under the Kandy Sky – As evening fell, telescopes were set up in the school quadrangle, ready to unveil the wonders of the night sky. Despite some cloud cover, students were able to observe Jupiter and its moons, the red glow of Mars, the luminous Moon, and Procyon—a brilliant star in the Winter Triangle. Even with less-than-perfect conditions, the experience was nothing short of magical.
The workshop wrapped up around 8:30 PM with a thrilling water rocket competition, where students put their creations to the test. Rockets soared into the night sky, cheers erupted, and the day ended on a high note, proving that science is best learned through experience.
More Than Just an Event—A Spark for the Future
This workshop wasn’t just about learning astronomy—it was about inspiring future scientists, explorers, and dreamers. It was a reminder that curiosity and discovery go hand in hand, and that the universe is out there, waiting for the next generation to explore its secrets.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Henry Throop for sharing his time and expertise, bringing planetary science to life in a way that will stay with students for years to come. Special appreciation goes to Mrs. Nalika Gunaratne, the driving force behind the Astronomy Club, as well as Mr. Wasana Dissanayake—Director of TCCEI, Vice Principal, and Principal—for their support. The event would not have been possible without the dedication of the Astronomy Club (2024/2025) and the Astronomy Society (2023), whose efforts ensured its success.
To sum up the spirit of the day, one quote stood out:
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” — Carl Sagan
Keep looking up—the universe is just getting started!
