Astronomy
The creator of myths

In ancient times, a lack of understanding of our universe gave rise to superstition and the belief in many gods. Unable to explain the many astronomical occurrences, civilisations turned to the explanation of priests, wizards and sorcerers. Why study the Universe and the interactions of our closest astronomical neighbours? The answer is simple. To ensure the survival of the human species and free our civilisation from the shackles of witchcraft and sorcery.

 

Camped out in the open fields the armies of an ancient civilisation rested on the night before battle. Soldiers gazed towards the heavens and marveled at the brightness of the full moon. Without warning the moon vanished from the heavens and a hellish darkness fell upon the camp site. Soldiers scurried about in confusion, some seeking answers while others prayed to their gods.

 

After several minutes a blood red moon slowly appeared in the sky a little forward of its position before it vanished. The blood red colour of the moon added to the fear and confusion felt by the soldiers while priests offered sacrifices to pacify the angry gods.

An hour later the priests had done their work and the gods were once again pleased with the sacrifices offered to them as the moon returned to normal, shining its bright light once more.
In 1504 Christopher Columbus' knowledge of lunar eclipses came in very handy. He extorted food from Jamaican natives by threatening to make the moon disappear and then agreeing to bring it back just before the lunar eclipse finished.
A total eclipse of the moon happened in Melbourne on Wednesday, August 29th as reported by the the Age newspaper. Our knowledge of physics has significantly increased and we are better placed to appreciate the science behind this phenomenon. No one rushed to appease the gods, to offer a sacrifice or to seek divine help. The science behind this event was clear. As the moon passed through Earth's shadow it disappeared from sight. Light that travels through the atmosphere has most of its blue colour scattered. This is why the sky appears blue. The light that travels through the atmosphere is now predominantly red and is bent towards the moon. As a consequence the moon appears red.
 

 

Why does the sky appear blue?

Why is a sunset often red in colour? Solution.

If the Earth had no atmosphere what would be the appearance of the moon?

What would you see if you were on the moon looking at Earth? Click to see the solution.

How did Christopher Columbus intimidate the Jamaican natives?

Why was Columbus able to intimidate the natives?
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