envoys of beauty

Recently we have had an unusual streak of clear and sunny weather. The last few days have been perfect; sunny and dry with highs in the 70's. This has also meant that we've experienced many clear and starry nights. Summer in many ways is a good time for star gazing. There is much to be seen in the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius, in the Milky Way, and other areas of the night sky. The main difficulty is that with the long days, it doesn't get sufficiently dark for astronomy until about 11:00. Full disclosure, I haven't taken advantage of these opportunities in the way I have in past years. I did get out briefly the other night and took a quick look with my binoculars. Cygnus, the Swan shone brightly smack dab in the middle of the Milky Way.

photo by Dan Lessman

This constellation is also known as the Northern Cross. Can you see it? At the bottom of the cross is the double star Alberio. One of my favorites. In this photo it's in the bottom left.

photo by Tom Wildoner

Here's a closer view.

If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty and light the  universe with their admonishing smile.

Ralph Waldo Emerson