By Vincent Van Ross

We talk of the Sun; we talk of the Moon; we talk of our solar system; we talk of outer space; we talk of Unidentified Flying Objects. But, is there life in outer space?

The Sun may be at the centre of the solar system. It may be the greatest source of light and energy to our world. But, it is the Moon which beams in the reflected glory of the Sun that has been glorified by poets for ages.

The Moon is not just a satellite that orbits the earth. It has been one of the greatest inspirations for poets and writers. The Moon has been likened to the round face of a beautiful lady. Not only is literature replete with references to the Moon but also with the waning and waxing faces of the Moon.

No matter where space travel began. But, it was the Moon on which Man first chose to set his foot on. Even the idea of satellite might have been inspired by Moon because Moon is a satellite of Earth.

So, the Moon not only inspired art but also science.

Among the planets in our solar system, Mercury and Venus have no Moons. The Earth has one Moon but Mars has two. The smallest planet Pluto has three Moons and Neptune has 13. Uranus has 27 Moons and Saturn has 34. The largest planet in our solar system, the Jupiter has as many as 63 Moons.

Does the Moon or their numbers make any real difference? One Moon has been the inspiration for so much of art and science on Earth. Think of what it could have done to other planets that are blessed by the heavens with a plethora of Moons!

Are there Martians and Venutians out there as we thought? Are there aliens in the outer space? If so, what are they doing about their Moons?

Mercury and Venus count for nothing because they have no moons. But, there are 142 Moons orbiting the other planets. One Moon has generated so much of poetry on Earth. How many poems do you think must have been composed as a result of inspiration from so many Moons in our solar system?