Starry, Starry Night

CEBU, Philippines - It was half past nine in the evening. I was stuck in Ayala Center at yet another food and restaurant photo coverage for our Lifestyle section. As my writer friends got busy, interviewing the restaurant’s manager and staff, I felt like my body was aching for a breath of fresh air. Thus, after completing all the necessary food shots, I went outside for that breathing space.

I was surveying The Terraces when I noticed a slight ruckus going on about in the open landscaped-grounds of the mall. Then I heard it, the ever glorious melody of Pachelbel’s Canon, through large speakers and this sparked my curiosity.

In no time, I found myself amidst the frenzy of a crowd. There was so much electricity and excitement in the atmosphere as I watched happy faces moving around like in a market. Everyone was scrambling to grab a piece of ukay-ukay. Finally, when one area was finally cleared, it was only then that I caught a glimpse of the object of the fuss – a telescope.

I looked around and one by one the telescopes and other hi-tech looking gadgets revealed themselves before my eyes. People from all walks of life – children and old folks alike – were waiting in line for their turn to experience the high-powered viewing devices which were aimed towards the night sky. Then I noticed an audio visual presentation on a screen, its accompanying music shifts from classical compositions to sci-fi movie themes. I then realized that this was no ordinary event.

I don’t really have much of a gift in writing but at that very moment, in the middle of an important event, I had the urge to get more information. I knew I just had to cover and share the event. I then went to look for the organizers for an interview .

The event, dubbed 100 Years of Astronomy, was a worldwide affair and was conducted to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). IYA is a joint project of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) an event sanctioned by the UN. In Cebu, the event is spearheaded by the joint efforts of the students and faculty of the University of San Carlos Physics Department, the University of the Philippines Astronomical Society and Ayala Center Cebu. They strategically chose the mall for its perfect open air space and of course to promote public awareness. Their main goal is for the public to appreciate the heavenly bodies through the telescopes. Second purpose is to create awareness of what Physics is and to broaden the perspective of the common public about Physics. Physics is not only limited to the academe but also in many industries in their research, as well as in astronomy. Third, the activity is to ignite interest among young science enthusiasts in the field of Physics and Astronomy.

The project was spearheaded by Physics professor/businessman Christopher Go, who has long been active in promoting astronomical studies here in Cebu. His long time dedication to this field of science has gained him several international recognitions. Christopher and some of his close friends with similar passion have mounted their own personal equipment at around six that evening for everyone to experience a taste of heaven. There were two 8" Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes, three Newtonian Reflectors and one refractor that stood waiting for anyone who wished to view up close the two targeted heavenly bodies that night – the moon and the beautiful ringed-planet Saturn.

Everyone was in for a natural heavenly treat as Saturn showed off her magnificence aside from the beautifully illuminated ring that surrounded her. The moon also drew a lot of “ohs” and “wows” from the crowd by revealing some of its craters.

There weren’t many visible stars that hazy night but the sparkle from each awed spectator’s eyes and the sheer joy emanating from their smiles were more than enough to call it a wonderful night.

Truly our skies have enough surprises for us. We all know the importance of our sun and moon. We should also try to learn if not appreciate the other celestial bodies that compose our galaxy. We shouldn’t forget the stars which had shown the way for navigators and lost drifters for eons of years. They were even used as calendars in the past. For ages, our skies have provided humanity with a lot of useful information if not answers to our deep personal questions. People these days, myself included, seem to look at everything in a straightforward manner. We are so busy, so consumed by materialistic cravings, so stuck in personal vanity. Wouldn’t it be nicer if somehow we could pause and admire the beauty of the heavens? Maybe we would be more attuned to ourselves.