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RP’s Health and Recreation Committee (HRC)
for staff and the Astronomy Interest Group (IG) jointly organised a moon-gazing
night @ RP on 6 October 2006, to celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with
staff and students.
The build-up to the evening’s
celebrations began as early as 4.30pm when hordes of students swarmed into the
LT at W2 to listen to the first of a series of astronomical-related talks by
professional guest speakers, specially invited by the Astronomy IG. Students
were so amazed by the various aspects of practical astronomy from the first
talk, that they stayed on to listen to the 2nd talk titled “Meteors &
More”. In between the talks, the guides from RP’s Astronomy IG also conducted a
solar observation activity at the lawn area near E4, which left many students in
awe.
Following the talks, the performers at
the Agora were standing by for the mini-concert to kick start the evening. RP’s
Jammerz Arena, Chinese Orchestra, Replug IG, and a few budding idol-wannabes had
entertained with rock, Chinese music, Chinese/English pop numbers. 2 rounds of
the Pomelo Peeling Contest had also seen staff and students going all out to
peel pomelos in the fastest time possible. By 7.30pm, the sky darkened, and the
performances came to a halt at the Agora. Guests, staff and students were
ushered towards the lawn area near E4 and W4 for the finale of the celebrations.
As all approached the lawn, the familiar
sensation of the dreaded haze greeted everyone. Telescopes were set up in place,
but the moon was nowhere to be seen. Crestfallen, everyone proceeded for some
al-fresco dining while staying hopeful that the moon will surface from beneath
the haze and the clouds.
Despite the initial disappointment and
the persistent hazy conditions, the full Mid-Autumn moon did make its appearance
at around 8pm, and everyone cheered. Kids and adults alike crowded the
telescopes to get a glance of the craters of the moon through a different view.
Amidst the enthusiastic moon gazers, some were happy congregating at another
corner listening to yet another 2 talks by astronomical enthusiasts, while
sipping fragrant Chinese tea and savouring yummy mooncakes. Kids were gathered
in another corner to begin their guided lantern tour around the RP campus, with
some RP student guides. While all that happened, staff and their families busied
themselves setting off some sparklers and lighting lanterns for the little ones.
The evening came to an end at around
9.30pm, and we are sure this was a wonderful Mid-Autumn experience for all who
joined in the festivities for the first time at RP’s Woodlands campus. We would
like to thank SingAstro for their support in this event, and to the Woodlands
community leaders for their attendance.
* For RP Staff - Click here to view the rest of the photos from this event
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