As a child, you could have been told of a legendary woman in the moon; carrying a baby on her back and a hoe in one hand. She is also said to be carrying firewood on her head, a story meant to inspire many to work hard. This legend will tell you that the woman is partners with the sun. Other legends have talked about a man in the moon carrying bundles of stick on his back and accompanied by a dog. He is said to have chosen to work on Sunday as opposed to going to church and was forever condemned to work. Other legends depict the moon as a powerful symbol of affection.

Your interpretation of what you see in the moon could be different, but here is an opportunity to look at that moon at close range. With the help of a reflective telescope, one can be able to see hardened rock-like structures and mountains as features of the moon. Benon Fred Twinamasiko of the Physics Department, Makerere University, has religiously made it possible for members of Staff of the University and other interested persons to get a closer look at the moon on a monthly basis since 15^th January 2014.

One such viewing happened on 9^th September 2014, when the moon was out, all full and bright. One by one, the interested participants took turn to look at different ranges of the moon with both the refractive galileoscope and the reflective telescope. The most exciting was a close look at the moon through the reflective telescope. Here, one can ably see the surface of the moon, bearing structures similar to shattered glass. Physics will tell you that the features of the moon include oceanous procellarum, craters, rays, rocks and rills, and have remained so for billions of years.  

Twinamasiko will first take you through an explanation of the movements of the moon in relation to the earth, sun and other bodies in the skies. As a child Twinamasiko was also told about the woman in the moon and chose a career in physics to among other things better understand that woman. He has since wanted to share his discovery with all who care. “I am inspired by the many people who turn up here monthly. The excitement they have after seeing the moon at close range is so rewarding and it gives me the strength to carry on. Recently our senior citizen, Prof. James Ntozi, was here too and was equally impressed,” said a visibly amused Benon Twinamasiko.

The viewing is free of charge. The next viewing will take place on 8^th October 2014.

By Marion Alina, Public Relations Office