The Chaplaincy Team

EPIC LUNAR ECLIPSE

It is wonderful when different aspects of the school (in this case physics, metaphysics and creativity) come together to amaze and engage us.

From our wonderful Science Department, Mr Hellard reminded us of an epic astronomical event.  He explained the astrophysics at work:  “When a full moon occurs at the closest point to earth during its orbit, it appears larger and brighter, becoming what is commonly known as a 'supermoon.’  A total lunar eclipse happens when the moon travels through the earth's umbra and the earth blocks all direct sunlight from illuminating the moon's surface. However, some sunlight still reaches the lunar surface indirectly, via the earth's atmosphere, bathing the moon in a reddish, yellow, or orange glow.  This is commonly known as a ‘blood moon’.”

This inspired these beautiful images photographed by Year 12 student, Dennis H: 

The event also led to the following profound poem penned by English teacher Mrs. Clarke as a gift to her grandchildren after she watched the event: 

EPIC LUNAR ECLIPSE – A poem by Mrs Robin Clarke 26.05.2021.

It was a very cold and crisp night on the back deck.

Shivering, we stood outside to crane our necks

And see a rare phenomena:

A lunar eclipse when the whole globe would turn red.

The sky was amazingly clear

With no trees to crowd the view.

The light pollution was not too interfering.

In awe and silence, we watched the shadow of the earth 

Creep inexorably across the face of the moon.

Nothing could stop it.

Nothing could speed it up.

It made me very aware of being on 

A turning globe in space,

When normally there is no sensation

Of movement.

The crescent shape of glowing light quietly disappeared.

The reddish glow began to surface

Just as had been predicted.

A law was governing.

Soon the whole moonscape was a perfect circle of red.

Looking up into the cosmos surrounding the earth

Made me think about the immensity of space,

Really beyond my comprehension. 

The stars are actually billions of light years away!

Our solar system is a miniscule dot 

In the vastness beyond us.

It is wise to look up and above.

There is depth to contemplate.

I must continue to look beyond the tiny details of everyday life,

The petty worries,

The routines,

The arguments,

The wars,

The pandemic,

The trivia.

I must remember the immensity,

The grandeur,

The order,

The wonder of God’s creation.

Look up.

Look out.

See beyond ourselves.

Neil Armstrong said, 

As his foot touched the moon,

“That’s one small step for man,

One giant leap for mankind.”

Let’s keep leaping!