Leigh Wetherall was able to give a summary of the events of 27th International Congress of Vexillology, hosted in Imperial College 2017. It was on a Wednesday, when my Prime Meridian Flag design was hoisted upon the flag pole at the Greenwich Observatory. Usually this flag pole only every flies the British flag.
As a student and teacher of science, the Greenwich Observatory is akin to Holy Ground. It was here that observations of the sky enabled the public to better appreciate science.
It was here that observations allowed mankind to predict the path of an eclipse in 1714 and later, the return of a mysterious comet in 1742, which would from then on, be called Halley's Comet. These Proclamations/Predictions were public demonstrations that enchanted the masses and forced them to become aware of science: a new type of imagination that is yoked to the austere logic of math and precise observation.
The precise mathematical/scientific prediction in 1714 gave the public an easy to understand and observe scientific analysis. It was not by astrology or magical thinking, but rather a revelation from science that foretold the path of an eclipse in 1714.
Later yet, this new type of procedural imagination foretold return of a comet, a comet tied to William the Conqueror in 1066. This foretelling in 1742 would solidify the value of science. No longer would it be considered nonsensical alchemy.
Before these predictions, much of the public had no idea what science was! Thus the work done at the Greenwich Observatory became a turning point for the public's understanding of science. It would further fuel the Enlightenment, causing many to forsake the irrational path of superstition. Since before hand, comets and eclipses were solely regarded as portents and omens, only to be understood by the Gods and fortune tellers.
Thus, Edmund Haley's predictions were something like the movie Star Trek Generations (1994). Spoiler alert... one of the plot lines in this movie is when humans break a certain technological barrier, they get attention of Aliens. Ergo, in Star Trek mythology, when a primitive species advances technologically to certain point, they earn the right for extra terrestrial contact.
So, Edmund Haley's scientific analysis and predictions are simply scientific fruits made possible by the Greenwich Observatory, which connected the '1066 Judgement Day, William the Conqueror Comet' to the 1714-1742 Enlightenment Era, unto today, beginning in 2017. These cosmic and heavenly demonstrations proved to the public that science is "REAL."
The Greenwich Observatory, marks a major turning point for the understanding of science, that had a deep impact on civilization. Just as when the first atom was split, Sputnik was launched, or when we landed on the Moon.
Thus on, Sunday April 22, 1714...
It was one small step for Science, and one giant leap away from Superstition.
In reprise... on August 9, 2017 a flag conceived and designed in the Americas, The Prime Meridian Flag, was given a token courtesy, being hoisted upon this esteemed cultural landmark for science and learning.
Thus as a science educator of biology, chemistry, environmental, and forensic science, this is a great honor. It is an honor fueled by love, compassion, sincerity, and grace.
EDMUND HALLEY ≈ ZEFRAM COCHRANE
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