Starry Nights

VanGogh's Starry Night

The night sky has been beautiful lately. There have been several clear nights with so many stars I cannot make out constellations. Well, part of the reason is that I am not as familiar with the autumn sky as the summer. The sky has been so clear and the stars so bright that it is difficult to see patterns. Tonight's moon rested low in the sky and did not seem to affect our viewing. It was a gorgeous moon, a fat crescent of pumpkin. I don't know that I have ever seen a moon of that color before.

It is a lot more pleasant to stargaze in the fall. No mosquitoes! The first night we put a blanket on the lawn and cuddled up. That was a bit chilly. Tonight we dragged the loveseat glider out into the middle of the backyard and wrapped up in our blanket. We have a glow in the dark star chart, but we have not quite figured it out yet. We have no telescope, but Grace has been enjoying using the binoculars.

We are using Apologia's Astronomy book for Grace (and Bitsy) this year. Grace is really enjoying it. Tomorrow she will begin to work on her "Universe" project. The directions called for her to use balloons and make a model, but because of the latex issue with balloons we are using butcher paper and paint. We will try to post some pictures of that.

I saw two shooting stars the last time we were out. Tonight I spotted one and so did Grace. I have not outgrown the thrill of seeing a shooting star. It was wonderful to share it with her.

Take a minute and stargaze. It is so peaceful. How can one doubt the existence of God when there is such magnificence to behold?

Love,
Shawna