Free (uni)verse

When my daughter was almost seven she asked Santa for a telescope, a metal detector and a microscope. Obviously Santa brought them, but Rhianna only ever actually used the telescope. She is now almost 11 and for her last birthday her Grandpa upgraded her to the Celestron NexStar 6SE. She loves all things astronomy thanks to the patience of the guys at Sunderland Astronomical Society, who are always there to support and guide us. Rhianna’s other passion is writing, and I had the opportunity see some of her work at a parents’ evening recently. I thought this poem she wrote about the chosen theme – space– was brilliant, moving and thought provoking!

Sarah Ball, via email

What an evocative piece of writing by Rhianna! It touches on why many are drawn to observing the night sky. – Ed