Last Saturday night I found myself bringing my telescope to a park South of Miami where the Southern Cross Astronomical Society, weather allowing, offers stargazing opportunities to the public on most Saturday evenings.
Several families brought their kids.
We had five telescopes and some binoculars available.
What a treat to share views of Jupiter with its Galilean moons, close up views of our Moon, the Seven Sisters, and the Great Nebula in Orion, to name just some of the celestial parade.
Present were kids and adults of all ages, many who were seeing these sights “Close up” for the first time through the telescopes.
During this viewing we shared our joy and passion for various subjects, including how the Earth was turning and moving, how the telescopes worked, the mythology of the various stars and constellations, celestial navigation, finding our way around the sky, and how to get started, even without a lot of equipment or skies clear of light pollution, clouds, etc..
It’s amazing what fun can be had with some inexpensive binoculars (optional) and a free VR (Virtual Reality) phone app that gives one an ‘easy to use’ map of what’s out and visible each night.
Later in the evening were many delightful conversations with what turned out to be many diverse and interesting characters who spontaneously presented numerous unique and mind opening opportunities for us all.
What a Treat! A mix of old and new friendships that seemed to encourage and foster a joy and excitement that might transcend, for a while, the more mundane course of our daily lives.
The event seemed to bring us more fully into the present, and created an opportunity for us all to rise to the occasion and shine, and to be at our best. A Good time was had by All!
“I would like to be learning something new, and growing, the day that I die.”
- David Crosby, Dan Rather interview, The Big Interview, CSN.
Best to All,
Daniel
