This morning, walking the dogs a little after six, I saw a shooting star in the southwest sky. It was the brightest and slowest I have ever seen, leaving a sparkling trail for about 30 seconds after burning out. This wasn't the image burned into my retina, it sparkled and then drifted, like fireworks on the Fourth of July. A quick internet search suggests that it was part of the Orionid meteor shower from the debris left over from the passage of Halley's comet through the inner solar system.
I also heard great horned owls calling this morning, and on tonight's walk I heard insistent whinnys of the screech owl. Nighttime at the preserve offers a different experience than the day.
I have written about light pollution here before, and have learned to appreciate whatever dark skies I can find. (If you click to enlarge the photo above, you will actually see the stars, rather than the blank black rectangle you see now).
Fortunately Crow's Nest still exhibits a bit of dark sky, and we will be showcasing it in an upcoming event. Called "Star Stories," this is a nighttime family event to be held on Saturday, November 11:
Visit the preserve at night to gather together for soup, bread, and potluck side dishes and dessert. Then tell made-up stories about constellations, learn traditional myths, or just enjoy the night sky.
We'll meet at 6 pm for dinner, then go outside if the skies are clear. This won't be a telescope-based star watch but an opportunity to pause to appreciate the night sky as generations before have done.
The event is $5/person, $15/family. Please RSVP by calling me at 610-286-7955.
