Like they always say, there is always a first time to an incident. The first time Adebola actually saw the eclipse was when she was around 10 years old. On that fateful day, the elders of the village assemble everyone at the village centre. There was discussion among the elders about what to do to appease the gods of the land who had become angry.
The elders saw the eclipse experience as a sign that the gods of the land were angry with them. Adebola, where she was, didn't pay attention to what the elders were saying but kept staring at the eclipse with so much amazement. Still gazing at the sight of the sky, she developed a sudden passion to get every necessary knowledge she needed to know about the sky.
Fast forward to 15 years later. Adebola was sitting at the table in an Abuja Cyber Cafe with her notes right in front of her sipping a cup of coffee. She was busy doing some research. Adebola eventually went to pursue her long childhood dreams as she had spent over 5-6 years of her life studying astrophysics.
That fateful night. Adebola, who has been so soaked in scientific facts for more than 6 years, has begun to question every single thing she has believed in astrophysics. She has made every preparation to witness the lunar eclipse, which scientifically has been proven will be happening in the next 2 hours.
Adebola wanted to have a full view of the experience of the lunar eclipse. But that fateful night, she was not really as excited ahead as compared to her first experience when she was 10 years old. Instead, she began to question some facts deep within her. Facts she has believed in for many years.
"Ma! Are you Adebola?" A voice interrupted Adebola's thoughts.
Looking behind her to see who was behind that voice. She saw a man holding a book. Of course, Adebola's book she wrote titled "The World of Eclipses"
Curious but giving the man the answer he desires. "Yes I am, but who are you?" She responded.
"My Name Is Ade Ma, I happen to be a Mass Communicator. I actually happened to read your book, and I must confess that I was blessed with so much knowledge. I noticed how you are trying to balance the scientific facts and the cultural facts"
"Really, well, people thought I was wasting my time", Adebola responded.
"I think those people didn't understand what you are trying to achieve, Ma", Ade responded.
Ade continues, "Take for example I, I am someone that believes in eclipse, but my grandmother wonders why something called eclipse exists. Probably because of her Cultural belief"
Adebola checked her time. It took 10 minutes for the lunar eclipse to happen. "Would you like to join me in watching the lunar eclipse?"
"Yes, of course, ma", Ade responded.
Both Adebola and Ade left the Cafe where she was together and headed to a particular spot that would encourage them to have a full view of the experience. Everyone also was outside waiting for the lunar eclipse experience. It has been passed as a nation news and so everyone has been preparing ahead.
Suddenly, the moon behind changes to the Earth's Shadow. At that particular time. Something struck within Adebola's mind. This eclipse is not just a scientific event; it helps to create a balance between science and culture, between fear and wonder.
At that particular moment, Adebola realised the essence of why she pursued her dream of studying astrophysics. It is not because she just wants to pursue her dream; she was orchestrated by the world of creation to bring a balance between science and culture.
And right now, she is witnessing it. Science has brought her here, and she is living a fulfilled life.