For answers to our most frequently asked questions, please click on the questions below:
Why the Moon?
Is Aluna's light reflected from the Moon?
Will Aluna cause light pollution?
How big will Aluna be?
How much will Aluna cost?
Is Aluna expensive?
How will Aluna be paid for?
Will Aluna assist a city's regeneration?
How much has been invested in Aluna so far?
How long will Aluna take to build?
What stage is the project at now?
Where will Aluna be built?
Is Aluna more than public art?
Is Aluna educational?
Can you sit, walk, climb or skateboard on Aluna?
Who designed Aluna?
What does the name "Aluna" mean and where does
it come from?
How do I become a supporter?
How can I make a donation?
How can Corporates get involved?
How can I get progress updates?
If you have any questions that haven’t been answered in this web site please email us, we will post up an answer as soon as possible.
"Human culture may have been incalculably poorer had the Earth not
been accompanied by such a big, bright satellite. Indeed, life itself
may not have got started at all without the Moon's gravity and the ocean
tides it causes." Philip's Moon Observer's Guide, author Peter Grego,
p43.
The Earth’s ecology is seriously under threat as a result of humanity
being out of time and out of balance with nature. By paying attention
to the Moon we can begin to learn about the rhythms and forces that have
shaped our past and will determine our future. We can reconnect with a
slower cyclical notion of time more in keeping with ourselves and our
natural environment.
Is Aluna's light reflected from the Moon?
No, it would be near impossible to get the desired effect, particularly with our cities' light pollution. It would also be an indirect way of capturing the Sun's light! The Moon's true power is through its gravitational force. Aluna's light is provided by a matrix of LEDs powered by energy harnessed directly from the Moon's tides via on-site tidal turbines.
Will Aluna cause light pollution?
No. Aluna’s light represents the Moon: it is virtually off at New
Moon, and only reaches its maximum brightness at Full Moon. Even then,
its light levels are fractional compared with background street lighting.
If anything, Aluna demonstrates when the skies are naturally bright (due
to Moonlight) and when they are dark, an awareness we have lost as a result
of our urban light pollution.
Aluna’s light levels will be carefully tested and adjusted so it
is bright enough to be seen from afar and yet makes for a comfortable
and ambient environment to enjoy up close.
Aluna is completely scalable. The minimum size is around five storeys high and forty metres across - bigger than Stonehenge, wider than a Boeing 757's wingspan. Aluna is about bringing people together on a lunar scale, so the bigger the better!
The cost is heavily dependent upon a number of location, size and technology-specific variables and cannot be fully determined until a full feasibility study is conducted. However, for indicative purposes we estimate a 40 metre diameter Aluna will cost between £4million and £5million.
We don't think it is. Aluna is an extremely sophisticated bespoke installation and structure, and will be built using the latest technologies and optimum materials to ensure long life, efficiency and durability. It will cost next to nothing to operate and maintain, and it runs on renewable energy. Keeping total costs of ownership -build, future life and environment -down to a minimum means Aluna will be around to inspire future generations. And it will soon have paid for itself in terms of increased tourism and investment to the region.
Aluna will be funded from a variety of sources including financial, materials & technology sponsorship, matched funding, grants, donations and support in kind.
Will Aluna assist a city's regeneration?
Yes. Aluna will assist regeneration by bringing tourism to the region where it is built. This influx of visitors and money will lead to jobs and opportunities in the area that would not normally exist. Aluna will be built by local contractors with as much of its material as possible sourced locally. Aluna will require new businesses to be developed or existing businesses expanded to service tourists and visitors. As a landmark and symbol, Aluna will assist by enhancing a location's identity and sense of place. Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor of London says: "Aluna has the potential to become symbolic of the regeneration planned for the Lower Lea Valley in association with London’s successful Olympics bid and, indeed, for the regeneration of the whole Thames Gateway. The project is of regional significance and in the right location, could have a comparable defining role for its area as the Angel Of The North has for the North East."
How much has been invested in Aluna so far?
Over £500,000 including donations, support in kind, and grants. This already shows Aluna's significant strength in bringing so many talented people and organisations together for free, to keep the project true to its ideas and to believe that no matter what, it is possible.
How long will Aluna take to build?
Once full design development and site feasibility studies are completed, Aluna will take approximately 2 years to build.
What stage is the project at now?
We are presently raising funding for detailed development studies to be carried out regarding a potential location for Aluna in London. The team are working together with various government agencies to develop the project so it can be delivered in good time for London's Olympic Games in 2012.
Aluna can be situated anywhere on planet Earth, but ideally on the edge of tidal waters in or near to an urban environment. Growing interest in the UK and Australia is developing towards Aluna becoming a Dual-Hemisphere project. At present our focus is for the Northern Hemisphere Aluna to be realised on the banks of the Thames in London. Our Australian representative Rob Gell is currenlty in discussions regarding potential sites in Melbourne. If you have the perfect site, or know of an organisation or individual who does and would like to offer it to the project, please get in touch.
Is Aluna more than public art?
Yes. Aluna is a public sculpture that is scientific, educational and environmentally sustainable. Aluna is a feat of architecture and engineering, acting as a showcase for cutting edge technology. Aluna is a sophisticated timepiece and a highly responsive bespoke light installation.
Yes it certainly is. Aluna encourages life-long learning and enquiry for young and old alike: science, anthropology, astronomy, spirituality, geology, biology, physiology…
Can you sit, walk, climb or skateboard on Aluna?
Our intention is for the public to interact with Aluna. You will be able to walk around the sculpture, enjoy the large space in its centre, and sit on the lower part of the Lunar Phase ring. For Health and Safety reasons, climbing will not be permitted and built-in design features (e.g. surface treatments) will make skateboarding an unrewarding experience.
Aluna was designed in 2002 by London-based artist Laura Williams, whilst she was in her third year of the BA Arts & Design course at Central Saint Martins.
What does the name "Aluna" mean and where does it come from?
The word "Aluna" means ‘pure thought, memory, soul, mind,
imagination’ and comes from the creation myth of the Kogi people
in Colombia who have survived to this day, keeping their traditions, relying
upon and looking after their mountain environment. They believe it is
their duty to look after the mountain which they call "The Heart
of the World". They call themselves the Elder Brother and refer to
the newer civilisations as the Younger Brother, who they believe is destroying
the balance of the world. Related links.
The Kogi’s Aluna emcompasses but is not solely about the Moon. We
are trying to find out whether "Aluna" and the European "La
Luna / Lune" are in any way linguistically connected. If you already
know, please share it with us!
How do I become a supporter of Aluna?
By emailing Jason Hollingsworth: sponsorship@alunatime.org or calling the Project Office +44 (0)20 7683 1138.
You can donate money simply by electronic transfer, by cheque or postal order. Please contact us for more information or visit the Friends page to make a secure donation via PayPal. Your contribution is appreciated!
How can Corporates get involved?
Aluna welcomes support from Companies in the form of support in kind, sponsorship, or materials and technology sponsorship. View our Sponsors page to find out more or Jason Hollingsworth: sponsorship@alunatime.org.
How can I get progress updates?
By submitting your details using the form on the feedback page. Please make sure you check the "I would like to receive mail" box. It is also worth regularly checking the news section for updates.
Earthrise, Apollo 8
image: NASA
