I've always been fascinated by astronomy and always hampered by my location. Coastal Florida gets a lot of weather and I live on 70yo second growth forrest. Even when the sky is clear I have a limited view of it. When a meteor shower is predicted I've learned to expect overcast conditions. I appreciate descriptions like yours even more than most because I practically live at the bottom of a chimney.
Similar problem here in Central Florida, though it's mostly city light that does me in. I see a handful of the brightest stars and welcome them, but think longingly of lying on top of a wood pile in Ontario's Arrowhead Provincial Park almost 60 years ago and watching a sky such as I had never seen before, nor since: a bright, clear Milky Way gracing an indescribable panoply of stars, sliced by frequent meteors.
For future reference: there's a notable difference between the 2 planets, and one needn't look for rings or moons: Jupiter is far brighter than Saturn, which is quite dull compared to Jupiter, and not easily visible. Jupiter on the other hand cannot be missed, especially when far from the Sun, as he is now: exactly opposite the Sun, to be precise.
I bought a 6" reflector telescope probably 20 years ago, and while it provided truly spectacular views, it regrettably got minimal use. Turns out, stargazing was a rather solitary and lonely endeavor as none of my friends shared my enthusiasm. I suppose it didn't help that winter is the best time of year for observing planets and such...
Been looking at Neptune myself lately, not knowing who it was for awhile. Leaving something a mystery for a bit is a show of defiance against our inquiring nature. Sort of a Zen thing.
I don't know if it's poor memory or a true difference, but when I was growing up in the Northeast, Jupiter was a rare and not very impressive sight without a telescope. Here in Central Florida our night skies are so light as to mask all but a handful of bright stars, but Jupiter is so luminous I have to check a sky map to know if I'm seeing Jupiter or Venus.
I love the metaphor in this. Take on new information winningly and let it upgrade your perceptions.
Thanks for the reminder to just be and enjoy the mystery. I find the kids and I are always looking up the information right now!
Now I desire to stay awake past my early bedtime to see the sky in all its glory again. It's been too long.
Great writing! I especially like how your point can be applied to many things we observe, including the Internet.
How beautifully poetic! This made me smile so much and the meaning behind it so subtly and eloquently expressed. Thank you.
Eloquent. I sometimes forget what Ph.D. actually means.
I've always been fascinated by astronomy and always hampered by my location. Coastal Florida gets a lot of weather and I live on 70yo second growth forrest. Even when the sky is clear I have a limited view of it. When a meteor shower is predicted I've learned to expect overcast conditions. I appreciate descriptions like yours even more than most because I practically live at the bottom of a chimney.
Similar problem here in Central Florida, though it's mostly city light that does me in. I see a handful of the brightest stars and welcome them, but think longingly of lying on top of a wood pile in Ontario's Arrowhead Provincial Park almost 60 years ago and watching a sky such as I had never seen before, nor since: a bright, clear Milky Way gracing an indescribable panoply of stars, sliced by frequent meteors.
Nice ... the wonders & beauty of the night sky!
For future reference: there's a notable difference between the 2 planets, and one needn't look for rings or moons: Jupiter is far brighter than Saturn, which is quite dull compared to Jupiter, and not easily visible. Jupiter on the other hand cannot be missed, especially when far from the Sun, as he is now: exactly opposite the Sun, to be precise.
Wishing you happy sky- and star-gazing ahead!
I bought a 6" reflector telescope probably 20 years ago, and while it provided truly spectacular views, it regrettably got minimal use. Turns out, stargazing was a rather solitary and lonely endeavor as none of my friends shared my enthusiasm. I suppose it didn't help that winter is the best time of year for observing planets and such...
Been looking at Neptune myself lately, not knowing who it was for awhile. Leaving something a mystery for a bit is a show of defiance against our inquiring nature. Sort of a Zen thing.
I don't know if it's poor memory or a true difference, but when I was growing up in the Northeast, Jupiter was a rare and not very impressive sight without a telescope. Here in Central Florida our night skies are so light as to mask all but a handful of bright stars, but Jupiter is so luminous I have to check a sky map to know if I'm seeing Jupiter or Venus.
Your writing delights!
Thank-you.