Essays

The Geminid Meteor Shower was first observed in 1862, by an astronomer in England. At the time, the American Civil War was underway, so we could say that the shower was born during wartime.

The world is such a big place when you’re a child with so many mysteries and threats and dangers. So many misunderstandings.

At this time of year the asterism of the Winter Hexagon rises up in the East after sunset, six bright stars that create the pattern of a six-pointed star, led by Sirius, the brightest star in our sky.

Before my mother taught me to iron, she taught me to sprinkle. Next, I learned about the iron itself which—like many adult appliances—was dangerous.

Jock took a group of us pony-trekking and as we rode up into the rugged mountains—the mist lifting and the sheep calling—I knew I belonged to this lovely, melancholy landscape.

Rain changing to snow in the forecast.

Legend holds that Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was observing Mars when he was struck with the inspiration that the Earth was orbiting the sun.

I was smiling as I went on my way, surprised to discover how much pleasure it gave me to help these people. And I think most of us are really yearning to be of help to each other.

In addition to Venus and the Moon at dawn on Thursday, there’s meteor shower activity all week, radiating from the constellation Taurus.