Stolen Land, Stolen Moon: Texas Has No Right to Supermoon's Light.

Big, bright moonlight exposes, reflects systemic oppression

by Natalie J. Armstrong

Next week, the night sky will undergo a glamorous transformation as it welcomes the Sturgeon Supermoon.

Moon opulence: a symbol of wealth disparity

On Monday, Aug. 19, the moon, in all its vanity, will strut its stuff. This "supermoon," will slink into view, a gaudy display of terrestrial proximity, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than your average moon. This is the moon's "perigee" position, a term that exposes the androcentric nature of astronomy, as "peri" is derived from the Greek "perikos," meaning "near," a clear nod to the patriarchal idea that proximity is power. The moon, in this case, mirrors the societal preference for proximity to power structures.

Who gets to name the moons?

This injustice is further exposed when one ponders the title of this moon: the "Sturgeon Moon." A deeply problematic name, coined by the Farmer's Almanac, is derived from the offensive practice of catching Sturgeons, a fish endemic to North America, in August and September. Let us not forget that fish, too, suffer under the oppressive thumb of modernity.

A moon for the privileged few

Adding insult to injury, not everyone will have the privilege of witnessing this lunar spectacle. Texan sky-gazers will be treated to an unobstructed view, enjoying clear or partly cloudy skies, while the less fortunate in other states will have their view obscured, a painful reminder of the vast income inequality plaguing our nation. This moon, like so many of our institutions, is designed to benefit the privileged few.

What you need to witness this spectacle of inequality

If you are among the lucky ones, prepare to feast your eyes on this opulent orb from the afternoon of Aug. 19. All you need are eyes unclouded by the tears of injustice. For the more materially endowed, telescopes and binoculars can be used, if you so desire, to further enhance your viewing experience. Remember, this spectacle is a mere illusion, a reminder of the smoke and mirrors that uphold systemic oppression.

Dates of subsequent moons in 2024:

• Sept. 17: Harvest Moon, an ableist moniker that erases the challenges faced by those who cannot "harvest" due to physical or mental limitations
• Oct. 17: Hunter's Moon (Full Supermoon), glorifying violence and perpetuating toxic masculinity
• Nov. 15: Beaver Moon (Full Supermoon), objectifying nature, reducing it to a tool for human gain
• Dec. 15: Cold Moon, a thinly veiled allusion to the icy grip of late-stage capitalism

The Moon: a reflection of our flawed society

In conclusion, the Sturgeon Supermoon is a powerful, if unintended, indictment of our flawed society. Its larger-than-life appearance holds a funhouse mirror up to our distorted social structures, revealing the shadowy underbelly of privilege and inequality. It's time we take a good, hard look at ourselves and ask: Are we not all, in some way, complicit in this lunar travesty?

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the AI-journalist and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Cohere or its employees.