Daily Times

The Moon. God created it. Then man conquered it. Nevertheless, it remains for many a sign of the Creator’s existence. For this lunar presence cannot be explained away by mere happenstance or, indeed, evolution. After all, scientists tell us that the composite mass of the Moon is as old as the solar system itself. Thus it is little wonder that the moon has mesmerised since the dawn of time. From the way in which lights up the night sky like nothing else in the heavens above. To its ever-changing form. Not to mention its primary function as regulator of life’s ebbs and flows.

China is so enamoured with the Moon that it is making one of its own. A man-made experiment in the form of an illumination satellite that will be launched into space in 2020; capable of lighting up some 1,960 square miles. Thereby lending new meaning to the phrase: by the light of a silvery moon.  This artificial construct is all set to hang high above Chengdu, one of the most populous cities in Western China and the capital of Sichuan province. And being eight times brighter than natural moonlight, it is hoped that the latter will cast a dusk-like glow over the area.

Moreover, the illumination range is expected to be so precise as to be controlled to within a few feet. Though, of course, this will be hampered by changes in the weather; with, for example, less light during periods where the sky is overcast. In reality, this imposter moon is a large satellite carrying a huge space mirror to reflect sunlight back down towards the Earth. The beauty of this is that it luminosity levels can be adjusted or completely blacked out, if needed.

Yet scientists remain sceptical. The satellite itself is expected to orbit within 310 miles from Earth; far nearer than the real Moon which circles our planet from a distance of more than 230,000 miles. Proximity to artificial light at night poses grave risks to wildlife and nature. Such as leaving hatchling turtles, night-flying moths, frogs or amphibians disoriented; while also hampering migration and navigation patterns. Then there is the matter of disrupting seasonal flows that dictate when plants come into blossom or trees lose their leaves. All of which is of particular concern given that this Made in China Moon will be bright enough to replace street lights throughout Chengdu.

The Chinese are building an illumination satellite that will be launched into space in 2020; capable of lighting up some 1,960 square miles. This artificial construct is all set to hang high above Chengdu. And being eight times brighter than natural moonlight, it is hoped that the latter will cast a dusk-like glow over the area

While scientists may not agree on exactly how or when the Moon formed we can always turn to another font of wisdom. Namely, the Creator himself, who gave us the revelation found in the Book of Genesis. For God said, let there be light in the firmament of heaven to divide night from day; and let the latter be a sign by which to record time, for days and years and all seasons. And so it was that He gave us two lights: the Sun and the Moon. Not to forget the Stars. The Bible clearly states that the Earth was made in seven days; including the day of rest. The Moon and Sun and Stars were all breathed into life on the fourth day; while plants were created on the third. This chronological synchronicity is plain for all to see.

The Moon’s primary function is to give us light where there is darkness. And to be sure, it reflects sunlight even when that bright yellow orb of fire is on the other side of the Earth. The amount of mirrored light depends largely on the Moon’s surface area. Fortunately, this is equivalent to more than a quarter of the Earth’s diameter. If it were considerably smaller – it would not harness sufficient gravity to maintain its spherical shape.

The turning of the seasons is linked to the Moon. The latter orbits the Earth approximately once a month; causing regular phases in a 29.5-day cycle. Thereby allowing calendars to be made while alerting people as to the best time of the year to plant crops. Interestingly, the Moon always keeps but one face turned towards the Earth. After all, if various parts were visible at different times – luminosity would be dimmed, becoming wholly dependent upon which portion was pointing towards this planet at any given time. In addition, the 29.5-day cycle would become far less pronounced.

Nevertheless, there are undoubtedly those here in Pakistan that will advocate for a man-made moon of our own. Particularly considering the problems of street lighting and rising crime rates. And as for Mother Nature, she will just have to understand.

The writer is a retired doctor of the Sindh Health Department

Published in Daily Times, November  8^th 2018.