Stars of Wonder

I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of seeing something with one’s own eyes. Fundamentally, we accept certain things as facts. Science has awarded us with videos and pictures that reveal the wonders of the natural world. However, with each new publication or posting, I feel like as a society, as a species we become ever more complacent. Satisfied to see something projected to us, so we no longer need to see it with our own eyes; metaphorically checking off another item on our list of things to do.

It is my sincerest wish that all of us still have some gift of wonder and curiosity within us. The desire to see something utterly amazing with our own eyes. The desire to personally experience real wonder. Children have it, but even they are ever increasing been told (and sometimes expected) to grow up faster. Removing the only true time in their lives to be childish; to be children.

Tonight, on my evening walk, I saw the longest shooting star that I’ve ever seen in my life, an actual fireball. It streaked across the western sky with a tail in tow. The whole experience lasted two seconds, maybe going on three. But the power of that moment haunts me still. As I watched it, my body froze. No force on earth could move my attention. It was as if everything, and I mean everything, just turned off and it was just the stars and me. It was as if it was an arrow, streaking through the sky and as it struck the wing of Cygnus it evaporated into nothingness.

Upon research, I have discovered that we are at the highest peak of the Northern Taurids. The Taurids are produced when Earth drifts through a cloud of debris left behind by Comet 2P/Encke around this time each year. Small chunks of dust might be seen burning up in our upper atmosphere as "shooting stars," while larger bits of space rock can produce more dramatic fireballs.

I will not force you go outside. It’s cold, you’re busy; I understand. However, the next time you are debating on whether to stream another episode of some programming before bed, take a second and go to the window and look up. You might just be surprised by what you see.

Until next time, stay curious.

(Originally written November 12, 2020)