RHC Fortnightly Quotemail
Compiled & Edited by Rob Chappell (@RHCLambengolmo
on X)
Vol. XXIX, No. 17: Early August 2025
Co-Editor: Sophie Fairgate
Editorial Associate: Wendy Applegate
Art Director: Verena Keegan (Designer of the Masthead
Above)
Calling all space
enthusiasts! Buckle up and get ready to journey through the fascinating world
of space exploration. From recent discoveries like the identification of the
dwarf planet "Ammonite" on the edge of our Solar System, to future
endeavors like the crewed mission to Mars, we're diving deep into the cosmos to
uncover the mysteries and marvels of the stars above. So grab a comfy seat and
join us as we delve into the wonders of space!
“Astronomy:
The World’s Oldest Science”
By the
Editor
Adapted
& Expanded from Cursus Honorum IX: 1 (August 2008)
Astronomy – the
scientific study of the stars and other celestial objects – is widely regarded
as the world’s oldest science, it began in prehistoric times when early humans
first looked up into the sky and wondered: “Why does the Sun rise in the east
and set in the west each day?” “Why does the Moon change its shape every night
in a monthly cycle?” “Why do the stars dance across the night sky in such
regular patterns throughout the year?”
Discovering the
basic principles of astronomy helped our remote ancestors to develop an
understanding of the calendar, which in turn led to the agricultural revolution
after the last Ice Age. This interlinkage of astronomy, calendaring, and
agriculture contributed to the invention of writing so that people could record
important events that occurred during the passage of time. Some of the earliest
examples of writing include records of astronomical events and their
significance (for example, planetary motions and lunar festivals).
Astronomy (one of
the Seven Liberal Arts) under-went a major revolution with the invention of the
telescope in the early 17th century CE and its use by the Italian physicist
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) to study the skies. With the magnifying power of
the telescope, Galileo was able to discover sunspots, the phases of Venus,
mountains and craters on the Moon, the four major satellites of Jupiter, and
stars too dim to be seen with the naked eye. Galileo’s astronomical discoveries
turned the medieval worldview upside down and inside out, paving the way for
other scientific revolutions in the physical and biological sciences later on.
Along with (and
based on) observational studies of celestial objects, astronomy has sought to
answer some of the profoundest questions that we have asked ourselves. How did
the Universe begin, and how will it end? Does life exist beyond our world? What
is humankind’s place in the cosmos? All these ideas – and many more – are
studied by professional astronomers, with the enthusiastic support of amateur
astronomers who make observations in their backyards with binoculars or small
telescopes.
The exploration of
outer space over the past several decades has brought astronomy into the
mainstream of public awareness. As crewed and automated spacecraft continue to
push back the frontiers of human knowledge, answers to age-old questions give
birth to completely new questions about the nature of the Universe. “Ad astra
per aspera!” = “To the stars through striving!” (Official Motto of NASA)
A futuristic spaceship departs from the planet Mercy on a homeward
voyage to Earth. (Digital artwork by the Editor.)
“Mercury: A Cousinly Cave Adventure”
By Carolyn McNealy, Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: This is Carolyn’s retelling of a roleplaying adventure that the Editor
and Carolyn shared together during recess in the spring of 1978.
Our thrilling journey begins with two young cousins,
Rob and Carolyn, who found themselves in an underground vault beneath the icy
surface of the planet Mercury’s north pole! As they explored the vast and
mysterious underground cave, they discovered a hidden chamber, in which lay the
42 books of Hermes Mercurius Trismegistus. Hermes was a legendary figure of
ancient Egypt, known as one of the great teachers and sages of antiquity.
Thought to have lived between the fourth and third millennia BCE, Hermes left
behind a vast body of philosophical and spiritual teachings through a
collection of texts known as the Corpus Hermeticum.
After unlocking the hidden chamber's protective
energy field, the cousins began to read these ancient books, which held the key
to humanity's future. But as they delved deeper into the texts, the cousins
realized that their lives were about to change in ways they never expected. As
they continued reading, with each word, they became more and more immersed in
the texts, finding themselves experiencing the life and teachings of the great
Egyptian sage as they happened a long time ago. As they read, they began to
understand that the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus held knowledge and wisdom
that would reshape their perceptions of the world and the Universe, forever
changing their lives. With the help of Hermes' books, Rob and Carolyn learned
lessons about courage, friendship, compassion, and self-discovery.
Their journey took them deeper into the mysterious
world of Hermes and his Emerald Tablet, where they learned about the secrets of
the Universe and the secrets of their own souls. But as they explored Hermes'
teachings, the cousins began to see a connection between the “Force of all
forces” described in the Emerald Tablet and the Force – the same cosmic
presence that guided the Jedi in the Star Wars movies.
Once they had finished reading the books and learning
from Hermes' wisdom, they packed up the books and began the journey back to
Earth with their newfound knowledge and wisdom. When they returned to Earth,
the cousins were hailed as heroes, and they presented the books to the Curator
of the great Library of Alexandria, Egypt, beginning a new era of enlightenment
and knowledge.
“Stargazing”
By Jerusha Emrys, Staff Writer
A billion stars twinkle
like a sigh.
The Milky Way, a river of
light,
Flows through the heavens
in the night.
Each star a world, a
distant light,
With tales of planets and
far-off plight.
I wonder what secrets
they do keep,
Of worlds yet
undiscovered, asleep.
Is there a planet, green
and blue,
Where life in abundance
doth overflow?
Perhaps a planet,
scorched and dry,
Inhabited by beings, we wonder
why?
Among the stars,
countless worlds may sprawl,
Each with their own
mysteries to unveil.
We may never know the
truth, I fear,
Of what lies deep within
outer space's sphere.
So let us all gaze up at
the night,
And marvel at the
wonders, of God's sight!
"The Importance of Space Exploration for the Human Future:
Expanding Our Horizon and Enhancing Scientific Understanding."
By Jerusha Emrys, Staff Writer
Space exploration has been a source of fascination
and inspiration for humanity since ancient times. From the ancient Greeks who
theorized about the nature of the cosmos to the first men who journeyed to the
moon, the exploration of outer space has always been a dream that has captured
the imaginations of humans.
In recent decades, space exploration has grown
significantly, thanks to advances in technology, increased funding, and
international cooperation. The United States, Europe, Russia, China, and other
countries have launched numerous missions to explore the Solar System and
beyond. These missions have sent robotic spacecraft to explore the planets,
moons, asteroids, and comets in our Solar System, and also beyond it.
The benefits of space exploration are vast and
varied. Scientific knowledge is at the forefront, as space missions often yield
valuable data and insights about celestial objects, their compositions, and
their behavior in space. This knowledge can lead to technological advancements
and innovations on Earth, such as better weather prediction systems,
communication satellites, and even new materials for medical devices.
Social and economic benefits are also significant.
Space missions require a huge amount of manpower and resources, which can lead
to job creation and economic growth. They can also inspire young people to pursue
careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). And the
discoveries made through space exploration can lead to greater understanding
and cooperation among nations.
On top of these benefits, there are also important
ethical and philosophical implications to consider. As humanity continues to
explore the Universe, we must also consider the potential impact on other life
forms and the broader ecosystem. Responsible and sustainable exploration
practices will be crucial as we continue to push the boundaries of our
knowledge and understanding.
The importance of space exploration for the future of
humanity cannot be overstated. As we face significant challenges on Earth, such
as climate change and overpopulation, space exploration provides a way to find
new resources, develop alternative sources of energy, and even potentially
finding new homes for humanity in space.
"Ammonite: The Newly Discovered Dwarf Planet and Its Scientific
Significance"
By Jada Yore, Staff Writer
Scientists from NASA and the California Institute of
Technology recently announced the discovery of a new dwarf planet named “Ammonite.”
The newfound celestial body is located in the Kuiper Belt, about 8 billion
kilometers from the Sun. Ammonite stands out from other Kuiper Belt objects due
to its unusual composition. It appears to be made entirely of methane, making
it a truly unique specimen in our Solar System.
The discovery of Ammonite has sent shockwaves
throughout the scientific community. The methane-based composition of the dwarf
planet challenges our current understanding of how planets form and evolve in
our Solar System. The name “Ammonite” is particularly fitting, given that it
honors the ammonites, ancient mollusks that once lived in the seas of Earth
millions of years ago. The ammonites are known for their complex shell
structures, which are reminiscent of the intricate and highly elliptical orbit
of the new dwarf planet.
Scientists have already started theorizing about the
possible origins of Ammonite. Many believe that the dwarf planet formed in the
outer regions of our Solar System, where colder temperatures would allow for
the stability of methane ice. This could explain its unique composition. As for
its size, Ammonite is estimated to be around 250 kilometers in diameter. While
it's not as large as some of the other dwarf planets in our Solar System, its
unique composition more than makes it a noteworthy discovery.
It was actually an accident that led to the eventual
discovery of Ammonite. Scientists were initially searching for other objects in
the Kuiper Belt when they noticed an unusual signature on their readings. This
piqued their interest, and they began a more thorough investigation which
ultimately led to the discovery of the new dwarf planet. Once the discovery was
confirmed, scientists were quick to point out the significance of the find. The
uniqueness of Ammonite's composition and its location in the Kuiper Belt make
it an invaluable specimen for studying the early days of our Solar System and
the formation of other dwarf planets.
The scientific community has already started forming
coalitions to continue studying the new dwarf planet. Some teams are planning
missions to gather more information about the surface of Ammonite, and others
are looking at ways to potentially harvest its methane composition for future
space missions.
The discovery of Ammonite is a truly exceptional
achievement in the field of astronomy. Not only does it challenge our current
understanding of dwarf planet formation, but it also holds great potential for
the future of space exploration. As scientists dive deeper into studying this
unique celestial body, who knows what other secrets it may hold!
Violet Brooks is pictured here with her painting on canvas of the recently
discovered dwarf planet that has been nicknamed “Ammonite” by its discoverers.
In her painting, Violet has named the object “Kynarth,” after a distant world
at the edge of the Solar System in H. P. Lovecraft’s weird fiction. (Digital
image processed by the Editor.)
“The Cosmic Symphony”
By Violet Brooks, Staff Writer
An intricate dance of
stars and planets in its cage.
Celestial bodies glide
across the galaxy's floor,
In a ballet divine, an
immortal score.
Galaxies spin in waltz,
around the eternal hub,
A cosmic wheel of time, a
whirlpool of stardust and love.
Comets and meteors dance
between the stars,
With comets that blaze
across the vast black canvas afar.
Quasars and pulsars, an orchestra
of fire,
Emitting waves of light
and sound, that stretch beyond compare.
Dark matter, the silent
composer, weaves its invisible chord,
Binding all in a cosmic
harmony and rhythm that never snored.
Black holes, the cosmic
symphony's dramatic climax,
Where gravity's ruthless
dance draws in even light and mass.
In their cosmic abyss,
they capture and devour,
Yet their dance shapes
the cosmic symphony, just as before.
Andromeda and the Milky
Way, the grandest of duets,
In a celestial dance of
stars, an elegant and never-ending suite.
The great attractor, the
symphony's enigmatic force,
Drawing all in a cosmic
ballet, a rhythmic and cosmic course.
Nebulae, the canvas of
the cosmos so bright,
Creating a cosmic
tapestry of celestial light.
Planetary systems, young
and old, contribute their unique voice,
Together in a grand
cosmic choir, in the endless cosmic rejoice.
“The Moonlight”
By Alyssa Brooks, Staff Writer
Shining with a soft,
soothing white.
Its moonlight glimmers on
the tranquil, wide ocean,
Making the waves dance
under its light.
It blankets the sky like
a thin sheet,
And paints the world in
delicate hues.
The moonlight is magical,
wondrous,
And makes my heart swoon
with its beauty.
Alyssa, the author of the foregoing poem, is watching the full Moon on
the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean.
Please watch for future contributions by Alyssa to our blog! (Image Credit:
Digital artwork processed by the Editor.)
“Reach for the Stars:
How Science Fiction Inspires Real-World Space Exploration”
By Elanor Pontifex, Staff Writer
"Space – the final frontier.” These words,
spoken by the iconic Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek
series, sparked the imaginations of generations of viewers. They ignited a
passion for space, science, and technology that continues to burn bright, even
today. From Gene Roddenberry's groundbreaking series to modern blockbusters
like The Martian and Interstellar, science fiction
has inspired countless people to explore the possibilities of space travel.
Sci-fi stories have not only captured our
imaginations and entertained us, but they've also influenced real-world
scientific research and technological innovation. Visionary ideas once depicted
in fiction have become reality, thanks to the curiosity and daring of
scientists and engineers. From the concept of the warp drive to the idea of a
space elevator, sci-fi ideas have fueled scientific breakthroughs. These
fictional concepts have pushed scientists to think beyond what's currently
possible and strive for the seemingly implausible. Science fiction, in this
sense, acts as a catalyst for real-world innovation.
While some ideas remain firmly in the realm of
science fiction, others have taken a step closer to reality. For instance, 3D
printing (also known as additive manufacturing) has its roots in science
fiction, and it's now widely used in various industries, including aerospace.
The idea of replicators (devices that can create any material object on demand)
seems like a pipe dream, but the concept is being explored in research labs
around the world, taking us one step closer to replicating everything from food
to spaceships.
Science fiction has not only inspired scientific
research but has also shaped our cultural perceptions of space travel. The way
we imagine space travel and our expectations of it have been heavily influenced
by sci-fi media. We often think of space travel as exciting and adventurous,
with sleek ships and intrepid adventurers exploring strange new worlds. This
perception may not always align with the reality of space exploration, but it
drives people to pursue careers in science and engineering, aiming to make
science fiction a reality.
Even the Latin motto “ad astra per aspera” (meaning “to
the stars through difficulties”) draws upon science fiction inspiration. This
phrase, adopted as the motto of NASA, echoes the spirit of exploration depicted
in science fiction stories, where the journey, despite the challenges, leads to
incredible discoveries. It embodies the idea that obstacles are merely stepping-stones
to reaching for the stars, inspired by science fiction visionaries who dared to
dream big.
Science fiction's influence goes even further, often
shaping our environmental policies and conservation efforts. Sci-fi stories
frequently depict dystopian futures caused by environmental degradation,
inspiring people to take action to protect our planet. In this sense, science
fiction doesn't just inspire us to explore space; but also, to protect and
cherish Earth, our only home in the galaxy.
The Bardic Gorsedd
An Original Poem by Viviana Rivera, Staff Writer
“The Wonders of Space”
Out in the vastness of space,
The stars and galaxies race.
The darkness, it seems, is endless,
But the Universe, it is infinite.
The mysteries of the Universe
Draw us in, like a gentle lure.
The stars and planets, they glisten,
And in their light, we dream and reminisce.
We marvel at the wonders of space
And the vastness of the unknown.
Our imaginations, they run wild
As we think about what else lies beyond.
The silence of space, it is profound,
The only sounds, the distant hum of life.
The vacuum, it is cold and vast,
But it holds more wonders, more beauty, more strife.
The stars and planets, they dance and spin,
In a cosmic waltz that never ends.
And as we gaze upon their beauty,
We're reminded of the fragile nature of our existence.
Catena Aurea (The Golden
Chain)
By Tamsin Lambengolmo, Staff Writer
“[Humankind] will pursue the inmost secrets of Nature even into the heights and will study the motions of the sky. Nor is this enough; when nothing yet remains to be known than the furthest boundary of the Earth, they will seek even there the last extremities of night.” Ã Virgo Mundi (Hermetic Tractate, Early 1st Millennium CE)
This quote is from
a Hermetic text known as the Virgo Mundi or the Virgin of
the World. It reflects the Hermetic worldview that the Universe is a
vast and interconnected web of divine power, and that human beings can achieve
spiritual liberation by seeking the divine truth within. This passage seems to
suggest that the pursuit of knowledge about the Universe's farthest reaches is
a spiritual quest for truth.
There's an
intriguing notion in the quote, that humans won't be satisfied until they
explore the farthest reaches of the Universe. It suggests that humanity is
driven by a deep-seated need for knowledge and understanding, one that's beyond
mere curiosity or scientific progress. It's almost as if the drive to explore
the cosmos is spiritually motivated, a quest for truth and connection to the
divine. It resonates with the concept of theosis, or the
transformation and reunification with the divine. It's quite profound, really.
Here is a quote from the Buddhist tradition, specifically from the Lotus Sutra, a famous text in Mahayana Buddhism:
"Behold now, within these heavens of the ten directions, there are, in each of these innumerable Buddha-Fields, innumerable sentient beings, sentient beings of middling virtue, and sentient beings of inferior virtue."
This quote highlights the boundless nature of the Universe, with
its countless worlds and inhabitants. The Buddhist tradition teaches that there
are endless amounts of worlds, filled with beings who are at different stages
of spiritual development. This perspective reminds us to cultivate compassion
for all beings in existence.
Sapientia
Germanica (Germanic Wisdom)
By Toni
Thorvald, Staff Writer
Here's an Anglo-Saxon proverb for you:
"Þe oferflite þe under ne dyreð."
This proverb translates to, "The one who oversteps the one
beneath does not value." It implies that the one who abuses or
overlooks those below them does not value them. In other words, it suggests
showing respect and consideration for those who are less powerful or less
privileged than oneself. This proverb is a reminder of the importance of
humility, empathy, and compassion towards others, especially those who may be
more vulnerable or less fortunate.
