International collaboration means more time on the moon!

Happening in the world: Russia and China announced joint plans today to construct a lunar space station, with plans for facilities both in orbit and on the lunar surface. The countries plan on collaborating on all stages of production. Both have divergent backgrounds when it comes to space exploration: Russia is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its first manned space flight soon, while China’s space program is primarly composed of recent exploits. (BBC)

Happening in the US: The Los Angeles school district and its teachers’ union have agreed on conditions for a phased school reopening of all grades beginning, if the plan is ultimately ratified, in about six weeks. Los Angeles has the second-largest school district in the country but has remained largely remote due to the teachers’ union’s concerns over coronavirus safety measures and in-person learning. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: An expansion of vaccine eligibility means 60+ year olds and “public-facing employees” are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. As of 8 am today, those over 60 are now eligible, and on March 17th government, non-profit, and building service workers who interact face-to-face with others will also be eligible. (Gothamist)

Happening in our community: Today from 2 to 3:45 pm, the Harriman Institute will be holding a talk titled “When Climbing Became Competitive: How Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union Sportified Vertical Space.” The talk promises to deliver “a Cold War drama featuring an inventive Russian climbing instructor, Polish climbing diplomacy, and a Soviet charm offensive that ultimately won over the West” in a story that culminates in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics including climbing as an Olympic sport. To register, click here.

Image of our friend the moon via Bwog Archives