Moon

The Moon is the only natural satellite of the Earth. It is the second brightest object in the sky after the Sun. Since prehistoric times, the Moon has been an object of fascination, awe and even worship for many peoples worldwide. Called Luna by the Romans, Selene and Artemis by the Greeks, and many other names in other mythologies, it has always been a romantic icon; even after man had walked on the moon it retained its romantic appeal. The fortieth anniversary of the Moon landings is an opportunity to look at the Moon from many angles; historically, as an object of worship; traditionally, as one of the first objects for scientific research in the solar system; artistically, the Moon features in paintings (Rousseau, Chagall etc) books (Moonfleet, the Moonspinners, The Moon's a Balloon etc) films (Moonstruck, Moonraker, Moonlighting etc) endless music (from Moonlight sonata and Clair de Lune to Bad Moon Rising and Moon River); and finally scientifically, an exploration of the historic journey to the Moon and back in 1969.