Archive for the ‘Environmental’ Category

19 March marks the appearance of a SUPER MOON i.e. when the moon is FULL and CLOSEST to Earth - the last occurence when the moon was closest to earth was 18 years ago. 

The term supermoon was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, defined as …a new or full moon which occurs with the Moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit (perigee). In short, Earth, Moon and Sun are all in a line, with Moon in its nearest approach to Earth.

Source: wikipedia

It is said that Super moon results in extreme tidal forces.  While we are surrounded by speculations that Super moon is associated with natural disasters, eg. the extensive flood in Australia in 1954, the Indian Ocean Tsunami and earthquake in 2004, the Indonesian earthquake in 2005, experts have maintained that there is no scientific connection between Super Moon and natural disasters.

 photo credit: newsodrome.com

With the recent catastrophy in Japan, there are people who associate it again with the Super Moon. However, a NASA scientist and other experts have stressed that the Super moon does not cause natural disasters.

While we look forward to a clear sky to observe the moon at its fullest and closest proximity to earth since the last 18 years, we certainly do not look forward to anymore devastating natural disasters in any part of the world.

So is Super moon related to natural disasters? Watch this youtube video.

I choose to believe that it is a coincidence. What about you?

The catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan shocked many and touched many hearts.   Just not too long ago, we were saddened by the natural calamity in Australia. Even our children, especially Brendan, are very upset by the series of bad happenings.

Now, the possible nuclear meltdown in Japan has added more threats to the survivors.

A HOPE to see more of the orange sun rays among the gloomy clouds

 The aftermath of a disaster is difficult to manage and the consequences, the loss and the pain are likely to go a long way. Wealth can rebuild the damaged cities and infrastructures but it cannot bring back those loved ones whose lives are lost.

Life’s so unpredictable and fragile.  It is so important to have no regrets by cherishing the people around us and be thankful for the comfort that we have.

Let’s learn NOT to take our environment, our home and the people we love for granted.

We used to have this BRIGHT BLUE SKY most of the time in Singapore.

But not all the time we appreciate it.

We complain it is too HOT, SUNNY or whatever it is.

Once in a while, we wish for some cooling weather and rainy days.

Now, Singapore’s sky is enveloped in HAZE due to forest fires in Sumatra, Indonesia.

I believe our neighbours in Malaysia and Indonesia experience it too.

Sigh, this problem comes back and affects us badly once in a few years and it shows, despite the distance, how actions in our neighbouring countries can affect us too.

Our daily lives are affected and those with health problems can become more adversely affected than anyone else.

The worst is, we can just wait for it to go away and check PSIs.

It is the period of school examinations again for our kids in Singapore and sigh……

Anyway, click to read a latest report relating to this HAZE.

We wish for rain and a bright blue sky again SOON.

[Something that we tend to take for granted in brighter days.]

I extracted this health advisory:

 “Persons with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity.”