Goodnight Moon

Star parties assemble people who are curious about the cosmos. Let’s set the scene. Imagine a remote place with dark skies and very little light pollution. Each campsite includes 1–3 telescopes. The astronomy equipment ranges from homemade to expensive. There are scopes made for visual observations and others geared for astrophotography.

Extra Shot
Explore my cosmic creations.

Daylight is relaxing, but the heavenly show starts as the sun begins to set and the first observations kickoff an evening of exploration. Tonight, our first stop is our own setting moon. From there, we spin the scopes to target a transitory comet. Planets in our solar system are next, then we go deeper. Globular clusters form dimensional shapes, with distant galaxies that look like eraser marks on black paper. The Milky Way can be seen all night, as constellations help star gazers navigate the rotating sky.

Space is for everyone, and astronomy makes everything feel small. Star parties remind us how we are all weird. Not an alienating type of weird, a wonderful weird that bonds people who care about anything together.

Brewed From Within
#106 📖 Life & Happiness

By Ben McDougal, ago

Totality

I sit atop this hill, soaking in the darkness of a lunar eclipse, reflecting as I celebrate 40 trips around the Sun. As our pale blue dot moves between the moon and our closest star, I first notice the moving shadow’s blurry edge. As I think about the time we spend on Earth, so much is devoted to finding our place in the universe. Even when we feel alignment, the blur of distractions will remain constant.

Anticipation takes over as the final sliver of moonlight goes dark. The orange haze of this blood moon is now the only cloud in the sky. The twinkling stars seem to serenade the silence of this moment. As the darkness holds time still, an eerie peacefulness is accompanied by welcomed loneliness. My thoughts sync into the shadow of this cosmic darkness. It becomes useless to resist the overwhelming appreciation I have for so many people who have given my life meaning.

Extra Shot

Jodie and Kate, you are the light of my life and my own totality. My greatest achievement is us. We make each other better, have fun, and experience the meanings in life. One of my favorite things will remain writing life’s stories together, but when I do turn my final page, know that you’re both forever loved, I’ll be with you always, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Within the darkness of totality, I’m soon struck by the discomfort I feel, not knowing when the moonlight may return. We’ve all heard how dark it is before the dawn, yet it still feels natural to consider things that have not gone to plan. Accepting past failures, broken relationships, and future challenges was not an expected emotion, but perspective determines how we respond. I’m thankful that it’s hard to think of anyone who may need to hear this, but if I’ve ever wronged you in any way, I want to say that I am sorry and wish only the best for you.

Extra Shot
Perhaps the transitory quest for totality is an impossible pursuit, but one that provides meaning and makes life fun.

As the first sliver of moonlight returns, eminent joy and assuring enthusiasm seem to rush over me. It’s as if the light of our moon has never been brighter. The subsiding shadow of our planet slowly releases the cherished moonlight back into the night sky, which lights renewed optimism. As the moon shines brighter than ever, so does my appreciation for all that we share. Now and forever, thank you.

Brewed From Within
#107 📖 Life & Happiness

By Ben McDougal, ago