Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Star Gazer

When I stepped out of my office last night, my eyes immediately raised into the night sky to see a beautiful crescent moon flanked by two very bright planets. I'm used to seeing Venus sitting alongside the moon but the second one was a surprise. Hubby said that this is the brightest we will see these for a very long time and the second illumination was Jupiter.

The three-way conjunction of Jupiter, Venus and the crescent moon will be visible to all around the world during the next few days. It's so bright that even light polluted city dwellers will see it depending upon clear skies. In Europe they'll get a special treat as for an hour the crescent moon will eclipse Venus. They say Venus reappearing on the border of the dark side of the moon is beautiful. I can only imagine.

One of the perks of living in the country is our bright starry nights. I'll often walk to the part of the yard obscured by the beaming yard light and stare into the depths of the universe. Usually with Rico on the end of a leash doing his business. The winter sky also opens up more of the stars to our eyes. I suppose the lack of humidity in the air plays a part in that. It seems that the more you stare, the further you can see beyond the obvious. Then the shivers set in and Rico pulls me towards the door which ends the gazing. Small pleasures.

11 comments:

will said...

I've heard rumors that there is a moon, planets and stars in the sky - but here in the Puget Sound region - due to rain and gray cloudy skies I'll take your word that these things exist!

Anonymous said...

I saw that too but those were PLANETS??? How cool! I had no idea--just that they were so bright and pretty...I learn so much from you bloggy people.

lime said...

i read abou tthis last week and forgot to be on the lookout for it. thanks for the reminder.

Prunella Jones said...

I wonder how that will affect my horoscope?

Balou said...

Bill - Oh that's a bummer. It was about this time of year two years ago I was in Seattle. I don't think I saw blue sky once. Believe me, they're there!

GreenGirl - I'll pass the kudos on to hubby. He's the one that informed me. I like being called bloggy. :)

actonbell - It does!!

lime - Glad to be of service.

Prunella - I "looked it up" and you'll have an above average day tomorrow but beware of green men wearing red hats. Your lucky numbers are 232 and 45,985,321.

Minnesota Matron said...

Oh! I was driving home last night and saw the exact same set and didn't realize - but Stryker and I both oohed and ahed at the sky. Thanks for this! Stunning reminder that we're hurling through space, on a planet.

KFarmer said...

I'm glad you mentioned this. Ducky and I were in discussion about it the other night and she thought one was a space station. Now I can tell her exactly what it twas...We both knew it was buuuu-tee-full :)

I walk in pitch black at night (sometimes w/Dog sometimes not) 4 or 5 times a month. I like the quiet, solitude, and knowing I can still find my way around in the dark. Yes, yes, I'm a strange bird... ;)

Balou said...

MN Matron - They were so bright it was hard to not stare at them. I was bummed at our cloud cover last night.

Kfarmer - I understand you're desire for walking in the dark.

Anonymous said...

After living in the country for 10 years, I never got sick of looking up. This lovely venus alignment is sending out the best vibes at the moment.

Anonymous said...

I saw it, for the first time tonite, and it made me think of two "eyes", WATCHING US, in this world, and "checking in" to see what each and every one of us are doing. hmmmmmmm............

ArtSparker said...

A beautiful post, very poetic. Also reminds one of what is really important.