Southwell Minster Lunar Event

On October 17th, I took the opportunity to visit Southwell Minster where an event called Museum of the Moon was held during October. I being a local astronomer did not want to miss this event.

The Minster embraced Nasa's forefront in technology displaying an illuminated orb 7 meters in diameter hanging internally from the Cathedral's roof.

Using fusion lunar imagery it displayed a measure of one cm equating to 5km view of the lunar surface. This combined with information of 900 years of the Minsters history and mankind's lure of the moon misconceptions and beliefs throughout ages, captivated visitors that day.

Incorporated with visual dynamics recordings played Capcom communications of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins historic first manned landing of Apollo 8 mission. Befitting music compositions added to the ambience of this event.

I was fortunate to meet Buzz Aldrin many years ago. This event coincided with a a Super Hunters Moon at perigee closest point to earth making it a bonus experience.

Michael Knowles.