Swanson School of Engineering

Zander R.

The journey to Iceland began with an unexpected delay at the airport. Our flight was postponed for several hours, leaving everyone feeling a mix of impatience and anticipation. Although the delay was frustrating, it also built excitement for the adventure ahead. Eventually, we boarded the plane and made our way toward the breathtaking island known for its dramatic landscapes and unique natural phenomena. By the time we landed in Reykjavík, everyone was tired but eager to start exploring.

After settling in, our group visited the fascinating Perlan Museum, a museum dedicated to Iceland’s natural history and geology. The exhibits offered an immersive look into how Iceland was formed through powerful volcanic activity and flowing lava fields. One of the highlights was learning about how lava shapes the land and continues to influence the island’s constantly evolving terrain. Walking through the displays, we could see models and interactive exhibits that explained volcanic eruptions and the formation of lava rock landscapes that stretch across the country.

Another memorable part of the museum experience focused on Iceland’s glaciers. These massive rivers of ice cover large parts of the island and play a crucial role in shaping valleys, mountains, and rivers. The museum also featured an incredible presentation about the Aurora Borealis, explaining how solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere to create the colorful lights that dance across the Arctic sky. Watching the visual displays made everyone excited for the chance to see the Northern Lights in person.