Monday, September 15, 2008

The Night Sky

What do you think of when you look up at the night sky and see the stars? Ok, not an easy thing to see in or near a city, but I assume everyone has seen the Milky Way at least once, yes? What is the first thought that crosses your mind when looking up at those stars that are so far away? Science says we are looking at history, light that started out from the stars years and years ago, and only reach the earth now. Tradition in some cultures says we look at the souls of those who have gone before. We are looking out into the darkness, the vaccum of space...and it never fails to make us feel small and insignificant. (Well, me at least, as well as some others I know...) The stars play out mythology of ancient long gone cultures that we still recall today. As many as the stars....

4 comments:

Mikeinmidwood said...

The stars remind me of the fact that I cant even name one besides the moon (not a star) and the sun (doesnt count as a star)

MAK said...

Well I can name two, more if I got out my astronomy book. I know Polaris (the North Star, ships use it to navigate by) and Sirius (the Dog Star)

frumcollegegirl said...

"Tradition in some cultures says we look at the souls of those who have gone before." which tradition, the disney tradition?

ever read Calvin and Hobbes? even Calvin seems to recognize his insignificance in the universe when he looks at the stars

MAK said...

Allrighty, I'll admit that disney was the first thing that came to mind, but I'm pretty sure that I've read it elsewhere as well. And yes I've read Calvin and Hobbes, though not recently.