The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) says that the Moon, as a celestial body, occupies a unique position in the orbit and helps provide better understanding of the universe.
Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA-NASRDA), who said this in an interview in Abuja on Thursday, August 8, 2024, explained that the moon’s interaction with the Earth made it an important part of the solar system.
“The moon plays several important roles such as stabilising the tilt of the orbit, causing seasonal changes, influencing tides and aiding nocturnal animal navigation.
“Studying the moon helps Astronomers understand the processes that shape planetary bodies, which is essential for understanding the formation and evolution of other planets.
“The moon’s phases depend on its position. It is the second-densest known natural satellite after Jupiter’s moon, and it orbits the Earth at an average speed of 2,288 miles per hour,’’ he said.
Okere said that the moon had about 1/6th of the Earth’s gravity, with diameter of about one-fourth of the Earth’s diameter and took about 27 days to travel round the Earth.
According to him, there have been diverse ethnic myths about the moon, moonlight tales which are not scientifically proven, with more than 140 missions launched to the moon.
Okere recalled that CBSSA in collaboration with International Astronomical Union (IAU) celebrated International Moon Day recently at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.
He said the event, which was marked with an outreach and moon gazing, aimed at raising awareness on the importance of the moon to the study of astronomy.
“By celebrating the moon, astronomers acknowledge its importance as a scientific and cultural icon, while making reference to it as a tool for enhancing the understanding of the universe.’’
Mr Peter Okagu, the Team Lead of the outreach, said that the Moon Day celebration also targeted increasing the engagement of participants in Astrophotography and Deep Sky Survey.
Okagu explained astrophotography as a type of photography that involved capturing astronomical images such as the moon, planets, stars, star clusters and galaxies.
According to him, both academics and amateurs engage in this type of photography for various purposes, including research and personal gratification.
Deep sky survey, he said, was an astronomical survey aimed at cataloguing and analysing celestial objects within or outside the solar system.
He added that the objective of the surveys was always to collect comprehensive data that could be used to study the structure, evolution and properties of the universe.
Okagu said: “The outreach explored how facts about the moon have impacted astronomy studies and space science technology.
“It also raises awareness among students on the impact of astrophotography in astronomy and space science research.”
He, however, stated that they were committed to raising more awareness on the need for students, undergraduates to explore studying astronomy.
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
