Starry Night
When I took this photo, I didn’t realize I was photographing the curvature of the earth. Too occupied in the layers of fluffy atmosphere, I couldn’t see the big picture out the airplane window. I was too busy realizing that there are high clouds and low clouds - and that the plains really are plains. Who knew?
It brings a new depth to memories of mountain nights beneath a glowing Milky Way and a certain terror and humility to the swath of a shooting star.
I saw my first shooting star this August, after I dragged my father out of the house to lay on the lawn and explain the constellations to me. Three days later, we were treated to the annual Perseid meteor shower, staying up until all hours to watch the stars. We curled up on the flagstones by the pool - my whole family - periodically going back in for yet another blanket (and more Doritos). I had never seen the horizon move over the sky before.
I learned the Northern Cross, and Scorpio, and made up my own constellations. They’re the jumping mice. Now that I’m home, in the metropolis of Hampton Roads, I can hardly believe there are so many stars, since the light pollution is so pervasive here. I can’t wait to go back, just to sit under the stars.
