The Moon
Fascinating exhibition at the National Maritime Museum looking at the science and cultural
significance of the Moon.
I loved the mix
of science and society in this show. It opened with a look at what the moon has
meant to people over the years and how its cycle has influenced us even before
we understood it. It then looked at the early science of discovery including a
mention of James Nasmyth who had also been featured in the Enlightenment exhibition
I’d been to earlier that week.
I loved the
section on the art of the moon including this lovely picture of it seen from
the Thames at Greenwich, a view I have seen many times. It included the
earliest drawings as well as contemporary art. There was also a good section
explaining the science and for all of ten minutes I understood tides but I’m
afraid I’m back to being puzzled.
There was of
course an excellent section on the Apollo space missions as the show was
marking the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. This included people’s
memories of watching it so my friends and I stood and shared ours with each
other. There were also commemorative toys and souvenirs plus a piece of moon
rock.
The show finished
with displays on the current state of exploration and possible new expeditions
to the moon as well as whether it might ever be habitable.
Closes 5 January
2010
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