Delma’s heart was thumping with excitement. It was the first meeting of the Science Club at the Aquatic School and she was delighted to be part of the club. One of the reasons was that Luke, the lake trout, their science teacher, was heading the Science Club. He always made science incredibly interesting and Delma, being a keen learner, was always seeking opportunities to study new things.
Luke also had the good fortune of being Olly the octopus’s son in law — Delma’s mentor and guide — that gave him a special place in Delma’s heart.
“So my dear scientists and explorers,” Luke greeted them after lunch on Friday afternoon.
“I have a special treat planned for you.” Delma looked around to see the rest of the science lovers who had gathered at one of the coves which made up the Aquatic School. There were a few creatures he knew like Sally the salmon, Capri the clownfish, and Caitlin the catfish, all of whom were her classmates. The other six were faces she had seen around school but did not know personally.
Delma felt a warm glow of contentment that had nothing to do with the afternoon sun. “I am so grateful for being able to learn new things and participate in something exciting!” she thought to herself.
“There is to be a full moon tonight and one of the phenomena I hope to observe is a lunar rainbow,” Luke shared.
“A lunar rainbow?” asked Sally in awe. “Rainbows are created just after rain when the sun beams begin to shine through the clouds. But there is no sun at night? How is it possible?”
Luke smiled, “That’s what makes it astounding. It may seem magical but it is an occurrence which can be understood scientifically. They are also called moonbows as they are the work of moonlight rather than sunlight. These are caused by the refraction of light in many water droplets, such as a rain shower or a waterfall, and are always positioned in the opposite part of the sky from the moon relative to the observer.”
“That sounds fantastic!” exclaimed Delma. “When and where can we see a moonbow?”
“Usually visible near waterfalls, perfect conditions are needed to see a moonbow,” explained Luke patiently. “One of the waterfalls at the base of the Northern Mountains is where this moonbow was seen when there was a full moon last month. One of the eagles told me about it, that is why I am keen not to miss it this month. Who is ready to accompany me?” There were shouts of ‘Me! Me’ as all the creatures jumped up and down in exhilaration.
“So tonight we will swim towards the waterfall. The northern part of the lake leads to it but it’s a long swim. You all have had a long week in school so you must rest to regain your energies. We must leave immediately after sundown,” Luke instructed. The group decided to meet in the evening again.
Delma went home to rest for a while, but she was too wound up to think of anything but the moonbow she expected to see in a few hours. Finally, when the sun began to descend towards the western horizon, she and her fellow science enthusiasts began their swim towards the waterfall.
When the group finally reached their destination, the moon had risen in the sky. “Oh, how lovely,” exclaimed Capri the clownfish, as he saw the water tumbling onto the rocks. The large moon shone peacefully bathing its surroundings in a silvery light and the rhythm of the cascading water was musical.
“Okay everyone. We are finally here,” exclaimed Luke, the enthusiasm evident in his voice. “The moonbow is only visible at night — it’s a lot smaller and lighter than a rainbow, I must warn you, because the light reflected from the moon’s surface is less. Nonetheless, if we are lucky enough to see it tonight, we will be one of the very few creatures to observe this miracle of science.”
“How long will it take to appear?” asked Caitlin the catfish. “Do you think we can take a nap? All that swimming upstream has left me tired.”
Luke laughed, “You could sleep for a while. Moonbows have usually been seen two to three hours after sunset or before sunrise. We have missed the time after sunset. I hope to catch it before sunrise.”
“It’s midnight right now,” Delma said, “we could take turns getting a shut eye. Sally and I will stay up with Luke while the rest of you can catch a nap.”
The group welcomed the idea. As the rest of the aquatic creatures were in deep slumber, Delma whispered to Luke, “I am so thrilled to be part of this excursion. Thank you again for arranging this.”
Luke smiled, “It’s a pleasure really! When I see creatures with a thirst to explore and a desire to understand, it motivates me even further. Learning about the world and contemplating its wonders is what makes life worthwhile.”
“Truly,” Delma nodded in complete agreement. When it was Delma’s turn to sleep she was restless but her exhaustion finally won over. “Delma,” Caitlin hissed. “Wake up.” Delma’s eyes flew open.
“Look,” Luke pointed. Delma gasped as she saw the moonbeams refract their mellow light in the spray of water from the waterfall. An arc of multi-colours filled the air. But before they knew it, the vision disappeared. A sigh of disappointment lingered in the air.
“What a sight!” exclaimed the twin angler fish who were part of the group.
“You all are one of those few who have had the good fortune to behold this sight,” Luke cried out in pleasure. “Wasn’t it simply glorious?” The gathering echoed in agreement and cheers.
“So Science Club, let’s get some sleep before we set off homewards,” Luke said. “But trust me whatever you dream of will not be as magnificent as the reality you have witnessed tonight.”
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