26.10.07 - Full Moon
Firstly our apologies for the many moons' silence since our last update. We have been working hard on getting Aluna to its next stage of development in London. With this Full Moon we bring you a brief update to let you know   that all is well and the project is very much alive and gathering pace. We are still very much on target for a lunar Olympics in 2012!
We have mainly been focussing on securing development funding so we can begin our detailed scoping studies early next year. We have already secured a significant part of this funding and are presently negotiating with various potential sponsors for the rest. Our Design Team is currently sketching out how Aluna can be positioned at East India Dock Basin London E14 (our preferred site at present) and we are in talks with heritage advisors, local authorities, quantity surveyors, LED manufacturers and tidal turbine developers to name but a few.

THE ALUNA FOUNDATION
Aluna Limited, the not-for-profit organisation behind Aluna, is now in the process of establishing The Aluna Foundation which will underpin the project's social, environmental and educational goals. Honorary Patrons include Deputy Mayor of London Nicky Gavron and Sir Terry Farrell.

SPONSORSHIP
Enormous thanks to the organisations and individuals who have enabled us to continue promoting and developing Aluna during the last few months with such good progress. Seed funding from Docklands Light Railway and sponsorship from Apple Colour enabled us to produce a fundraising brochure. There are not many printers around who will print using vegetable-based inks on 100% recycled paper using renewable energy, and their Bristol-based factory has been optimised to be as environmentally neutral as possible. http://www.applecolour.co.uk/home.html.

As always we will be delighted with any donations via our secure PayPal facility on the website or contact us at sponsorship@alunatime.org or +44 (0)20 7683 1138 for larger offers of sponsorship.

TIDAL ENERGY
The Renewable Energy Association kindly invited Aluna to exhibit free of charge at its Wave and Tidal Technology Symposium - WATTS 2007 - on the Isle of Wight last month. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet tidal developers and get a detailed insight into the marine energy industry. http://www.r-e-a.net for further information.

Tidal Today has invited Laura Williams to present Aluna at the Tidal Energy Summit in London on 28 th -29 th November 2007. http:// www.tidaltoday.com/tidal07
"From the lab to the sea - scaling your tidal project for commercial deployment. Focussing on more than just technology including practical advice to help you plan and implement a successful tidal strategy, tidal project finance - just how can you secure it, negotiating the technical leap, securing a consenting licence, grid connection and developing effective partnerships." Visit http://www.tidaltoday.com/tidal07/programme.shtml to view   the programme of expert speakers. Contact Louise Gray today on +44 (0) 207 375 7159 or lgray@tidaltoday.com to find out more.

CHANNEL 4 BIG ART MOB & BIG ART PROJECT
Channel 4's The Big Art Mob has invited Aluna to start a "moblog" for Moon Lovers. As Aluna's story unfolds in London, we are looking to grow a collection images of all things lunar - art, culture, environment, cityscape, maritime history, geology, religion, water ... the Moon has been vital to our blue planet and human cultures around the world since the dawn of time and the subject is immense, diverse and universal. So sign up at http://www.bigartmob.com get snapping with your mobile and send in your pictures from wherever you are to the Moon Lovers group!
Laura Williams recently met with Adam Gee, daddy of Channel 4's Big Art Project. Visit his online blog http://aarkangel.wordpress.com/2007/10/13/art-and-soul-of-london/ where he writes about the meeting.

ALUNA AT THE THAMES FESTIVAL
Aluna was presented by artist Laura Williams at The Mayor of London's Thames Festival at The Green Man Stage next to City Hall. Green Man's organiser Damien Curtis hosted an impressive line-up of speakers and performers including Aluna's endorser Jane Taylor from Positive News, Satish Kumar from Resurgence Magazine, Dr Vandana Shiva, Seize the Day and Baka Beyond.

The Thames Festival occurs every year at the autumn equinox when the Thames Barrier is tested to ensure that it can still withstand the largest spring tides of the year. Not to be confused with the season of spring, spring tides occur twice every month when the Moon, Earth and Sun are in alignment at New Moon and Full Moon causing the biggest range between low and high water levels. Click here to learn more about tides http://www.alunatime.org/html/tides.htm or visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide.

EXTRA LARGE PERIGEAN TIDES THIS FULL MOON
The changing distance of the Moon during its elliptical orbit around the Earth also affects tidal heights. When the Moon is at perigee - closest to the Earth in its cycle - the range is increased and when it is at apogee - furthest away - the range is reduced. Every 7 ½ lunations, perigee coincides with either a New or Full Moon causing perigean tides with the largest tidal range and potential storm surges. Watch out for this perigean Full Moon (Oct 26 2007) as it rises above the horizon...it is the brightest and largest this year!

THE MOON & GLOBAL CULTURES
Last "month" brought many cultures around the world together. It timed the Islamic festival of Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival . October's crescent Moon signified the breaking of the Ramadan fast with the Festival of Eid, and today's Full Moon is Sharad Purnima, the last Full Moon of the year in Gujarat, coinciding with the end of monsoon harvest and start of sowing of winter crop. Sharad Purnima will now wane towards a New Moon and a New Year celebrated with Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light . This Full Moon is also the last for the ancient Celtic year and brings with it the celebration of Samhain, Oct 31st-Nov 3rd, the ancient Celtic New Year.

CLICK TO CLOSE THIS BULLETIN

14.05.07
ALUNA AT THINK 07 - GATEWAY FUTURES SYMPOSIUM
Aluna was extremely well received at the Symposium, with a unanimous panel vote that the project should be realised on the banks of the River Thames in the Thames Gateway in time for London 2012. Good contacts were made and will hopefully result in some help securing development funding.

EVENING STANDARD ARTICLE 02.05.07
Click to download the pdf article that preceded the Think 07 presentation.

BBC RADIO ESSEX 03.05.07
Aluna was also featured on BBC Radio Essex Drivetime.

Read Aluna's latest press statement.

SEED FUNDING NEEDED TO FUEL NEXT STAGE OF LUNAR LAUNCH IN LONDON!
In order to keep developments on track for realisation by 2012, Aluna's team need to raise the first £250,000 of development funding by the end of July 2007...that's only 10 weeks away! We have some amazing people advising us but we have NO resources to really be able to focus on this immense but very achievable target. We are looking to raise £35,000 seed funding so we can leave our day jobs and get on with the task in hand. If you are interested in becoming a Founding Sponsor and enabling a future world heritage site to flourish in London, please get in touch with us by either emailing sponsorship@alunatime.org or calling the project office +44 (0)20 7683 1138...we look forward to hearing from you!

Watch out for the New Crescent Moon this Thursday / Friday...check out www.crescentmoonwatch.org and log your results.

CLICK TO CLOSE THIS BULLETIN

30.04.07
ALUNA AT THINK 07 - SECOND GATEWAY FUTURES SYMPOSIUM 1-3 MAY 2007, EXCEL LONDON
Aluna is being featured at the 2nd Gateway Futures Symposium for architects, researchers and design practitioners organised by London Thames Gateway Development Corporation at ExCel London this Thursday 3rd May at 10.50am. The symposium is part of the THINK 07 sustainability show.
Entry to this event is free, but you will need to contact London Thames Gateway Development Corporation to register your name. Call 020 7517 4730 or visit http://www.ltgdc.org.uk/contactus/

SPECIALIST CULTURAL ADVISORS JOIN THE TEAM
Aluna has recently been joined by two of the UK's most highly regarded cultural advisors:
David Powell , Creative & Cultural Advisor to Thames Gateway London Partnership, developing the East London cultural offer to the Olympics and cultural masterplanning the Thames Gateway.
John Newbigin, strategy consultant and cultural entrepreneur with a client-list that includes the UK Film Council, Arts Council of England, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport Rt Hon Chris Smith, MP, Rt Hon Neil Kinnock, MP and Channel 4 Television.
David and John are working with us to help raise £250k development funds in order for the project to move ahead to detailed design and site feasibility studies in London. If Aluna is to stay on target for realisation on London's River Thames by 2012 this funding needs to be secured by end July 2007...

URGENT FUNDING REQUIRED!
End July 2007 is only 3 months away! Please help us to raise £250,000 by telling organisations and individuals who might be interested in sponsoring Aluna and making this project a reality in London, 'Home of Time'. We also welcome all sizes of donation...if you would like to be a part of Aluna, you can donate securely and become a Friend of Aluna. Alternatively you can contact us by emailing sponsorship@alunatime.org or calling +44 (0)20 7683 1138.

KEEP IN TOUCH
Visit our London page or feedback page to register on the mailing list.

FULL MOON ON WEDNESDAY 2 MAY
Wesak is the most important of the Buddhist festivals, showing respect to the Buddha for his life and teachings. It celebrates the Buddha's birthday with colour and gaiety, special lanterns, large ceremonial releases of caged birds and 'Bathing the Buddha' with water.

 

CLICK TO CLOSE THIS BULLETIN

03.04.07
ALUNA - A BIG IDEA FOR LONDON
Thank you to all who made it to see Aluna presented at the 3 Big Ideas for London event at the Hayward Gallery on March 7th. Our thanks also go to South Bank Centre for providing the time and place, and Aluna sponsors Docklands Light Railway for facilitating our participation at the event.
The Aluna presentation was extremely well received by around 150 people. The majority of the audience went on to attend the Aluna workshop, to hear inspiring presentations by the key speakers Sir Terry Farrell, Jay Griffiths, David Rooney, Dr Usama Hasan and Alan Ereira. During the final plenary, a unanimous audience vote supported the development of Aluna as a Thameside landmark
for London 2012.

MOON-POWERED HOMES IN LONDON!
Particular enthusiasm was shown for Aluna’s vision to generate enough tidal energy not only for itself, but also for a visitor centre and around 200 homes. This will make Aluna the first arts project of its kind in the world – generating its revenue by producing renewable energy from the moon to keep lights on in London! To further Aluna’s message for environmentally sustainable communities, the project will initiate community involvement with surrounding homes, schools and businesses recycling their glass to build the landmark.

Download Hayward event pdf update
Download author Jay Griffith's talk (pdf)
Download film-maker Alan Ereira's talk (pdf)

TOWER HAMLETS LONDON E14 OR GREENWICH LONDON SE10?
The Aluna Team are pleased to reveal that Greenwich Council are now competing with Tower Hamlets to host the project on their side of the river. Council officers are researching a number of locations in close proximity to the Meridian.
Councillor Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council says: "Greenwich Council is pleased to endorse the Aluna project. This sculpture project is clearly a major public art initiative and could become a high status iconic statement for London as well as a major physical representation of the legacy for the 2012 Olympic Games.
I am particularly keen to attract this public art piece to Greenwich as I believe that, with the Royal Greenwich Observatory and Greenwich Mean Time, this borough is the natural home of time and therefore this sculpture would be a great symbolic representation of this. Also, Aluna would become a major iconic symbol and visitor attraction as well as provide a regeneration stimulus for our residents.
The design of Aluna is at the same time both monumental in scale and yet refined and sophisticated in its shape. As the Leader of an Olympic host borough, I also feel that the shape of the rings of Aluna seem to shadow the rings of the Olympic rings symbol whilst providing a natural amphitheatre in the middle of the structure. Some of our leading cultural institutions have already expressed an interest in animating the internal space of Aluna and the natural and constructed riverside walks of the Greenwich bankside could offer visitors an unbroken route to Aluna."

SPONSORSHIP & FUNDING
Aluna made several good contacts at the Hayward event, with whom we are now in discussion regarding sponsorship opportunities. This is an immensely exciting time for Aluna with strong support from local authorities and potential sites on both sides of the Thames. Our primary focus now is to raise £225k development funding, which we need to secure by this summer if we are to stay on track for London 2012. If you or your organisation is interested in being part of the Aluna 2012 vision, now is the time to get on board. To contact us regarding sponsorship or donations please email team@alunatime.org or call +44(0)20 7683 1138.

The Aluna Team wishes you a very Happy Easter and Passover, both timed by the first full moon after the vernal equinox!

CLICK TO CLOSE THIS BULLETIN

03.03.07
GREENWICH HOME OF TIME UPS THE STAKES
Greenwich Council Leader Chris Roberts is endorsing Aluna and has confirmed that officers of the council are researching a number of locations to be investigated as potential sites to host the Project on the south bank of the River Thames, near to the Meridian.

ALUNA AT LONDON'S HAYWARD GALLERY
The plan to build Aluna on the River Thames is being backed by the architect and Thames Gateway planner Sir Terry Farrell at the Hayward Gallery on March 7. The proposal to site Aluna, hailed as a 21st century Stonehenge and a beacon of sustainability, in the heart of cash-rich, time-poor London is also supported by the author Jay Griffiths ("Pip Pip - a Sideways Look at Time"), David Rooney Curator of Timekeeping at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, filmmaker Alan Ereira and Islamic astronomer Dr Usama Hasan. The event is part of the Southbank Centre's 100 Ideas series, exploring culture in the 21st century. Call the Hayward's box office for tickets to this free event: 08703 800 400, or visit www.hayward.org.uk.

RECENT LONDON PRESS
Click to download articles by the Waltham Forest Guardian and The Wharf papers.

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE 3-4 MARCH 2007
The Earth's shadow will completely cover the Moon tonight, turning it red. Totality, the most dramatic phase of a Total Lunar Eclipse, occurs between 22:44 and 23:57 GMT. It will be visible from Europe, Africa, Asia (West of Central China), eastern North America and all of South America. The total duration of the eclipse is approx 6 hours, beginning around 20:18. Lunar eclipses are much slower and more subtle than solar eclipses, their beauty and magic greatly affected by light pollution. Try to go somewhere dark...
http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn11290-moon-to-blush-red-during-total-lunar-eclipse.html
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/070302_ns_eclipse_elsewhere.html

ANTARCTIC ICE STREAMS CONTROLLED BY THE MOON
Paul Simons, The Times February 06, 2007
"Scientists in Antarctica have found striking evidence for the influence of the Moon on large-scale terrestrial phenomena. The Moon, it now appears, influences the movement of ice flowing off the continent's glaciers" click here to read on...

CHINESE YEAR OF GOLDEN PIG
Happy Chinese New year! The New Moon of February 18 th announced the arrival of the lucky year for all those Pigs out there. Celebrations continue until today's Full Moon.

HOLI - FESTIVAL OF COLOUR
One of the most important Hindu Festivals, Holi is celebrated on today's Full Moon. Falling on the Full Moon of the Hindu month of Phalgun, Holi is a spring celebration of liveliness and exhuberance occurring throughout India and Nepal. Revellers shower themselves and everyone else with coloured pigments and water, dancing and drumming wildly.

CLICK TO CLOSE THIS BULLETIN

25/01/07
AT THE SPEED OF TIME: LONG SLOW TIME SYMPOSIUM
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Saturday 27 January 2007
11.00-16.30
Cost: £25/£20
www.nmm.ac.uk
"What is time? What does it mean and how is it measured? Is time long, short, slow or fast? In a world of accelerated speed and increasingly short attention span, discover how contemporary artists are responding by promoting the alternative - slow and long time. Speakers include:
Alexander Rose - Director of the Long Now Foundation
Laura Williams - artist of Aluna
Thomson and Craighead - contemporary artists working with video, sound and electronic networked space
and Aluna's endorser David Rooney - Curator of Timekeeping, Royal Observatory, Greenwich
There are still some spaces, to book now:
Phone: +44 (0)20 8312 8560 (open daily 10.00-17.00)
E-mail: bookings@nmm.ac.uk

TOWER HAMLETS IN SUPPORT OF ALUNA FOR LONDON
London Borough of Tower Hamlets have confirmed they are in support of Aluna being developed for realisation at East India Dock Basin, London E14...should the right funding become available.
Support in London continues to grow as more people find out about Aluna, however we urgently need proper funding and we are still looking for someone in business or philanthropy with the vision and finances to come on board and help get the project off the ground. If you are that person please contact us: sponsorship@alunatime.org.
Please continue to spread the word, sign the London petition and make donations to help keep the project in London. Your support is appreciated!

IS LONDON STILL OPEN TO BIG IDEAS?
Hayward Gallery, South Bank Centre, London
Wednesday 7 March 2007
18.30-21.00
Aluna, Ahh and The London International Festival of Theatre have three big ideas for London and will explore them with the audience who will have a choice of three interactive workshop sessions.
Join Aluna's artist and distinguished endorsers to look at the case for London - 'Home of Time' - to present the world with a timepiece of Universal significance that is more in keeping with the rhythms of our blue planet and inclusive of all cultural expressions of time.
Pay what you can, to reserve a place call the box office 08703 800 400
www.hayward.org.uk, www.rfh.org.uk

A NEW MOON, A NEW YEAR
The new crescent moon of 20th January heralded Al Hijra, Islamic New Year. Find out more about the totally lunar Islamic calendar www.moonsighting.com and the predicting of the new Moon www.crescentmoonwatch.org

Next 'moonth' the new Moon on 18th February will bring in the Chinese Year of the Pig, and March's Moon marks the Hindu New Year.

FOR FURTHER SLOWNESS
Visit www.slowlondon.com, a community of people and ideas... it's all about slow action...not slow motion.
www.slowlab.net - a New York-based laboratory for the advancement of slow design thinking and practice, envisioning environmental sustainability, social harmony and individual well-being as processes and products of good design.

THE MOON & A SWISS PARTICLE PHYSICS RESEARCH LABORATORY
In 1991 CERN managed to measure the particle accelerator's circumference to a tolerance of less than a tenth of a millimetre. Then the researchers discovered something very strange. Twice a day there was a variation of less than one millimetre in circumference of the 27 kilometre long ring. After a while they discovered that it was the moon's gravitation that caused the phenomenon. It turns out that "earth tide" is just as common as ocean tide. Water is just more flexible.
http://www.ntnu.no/gemini/2002-06e/34-35.htm
http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=46046

CLICK TO CLOSE THIS BULLETIN