Made You Look

This post was inspired by a video shared with me by Blake Wylie on Twitter. 

Two summers ago, my family and I road tripped across the south western United States. We stopped at the Grand Canyon along the way. Our timing was impeccable because they were hosting the annual Star Party.

Amateur astronomers from all over the world gathered in a nondescript parking lot at the visitor center. Together they set up their telescopes for an evening of sky watching brilliance. The Grand Canyon park staff shut off all park lights to prevent any light pollution from hindering the sky view. 

Short lines would form in front of each telescope. Some had seats to look up, others had small step ladders to reach the eyepiece. Each astronomer had his or her telescope pointed to a specific planet. We got to see Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, and event the Moon! It was truly magical. 

I was reminded of this story after watching the short film, A New View of the Moon by Alex Gorosh. The moral of the film is to stop and look up more often, it is also to consider how small our planet actually is. You can get deeper and realize we're all the same species. We humans share an awful lot together. 

Watching the film also reminded me of how lucky we were to happen upon and participate in the Star Party. I feel that I take such experiences in my life for granted by not realizing how special they are. Maybe you do this too.

Enjoy this. 

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