Infinite space

How many people have really seen the stars, not just a dim approximation? Too-frequently in the past decade I’ve been frustrated by hazy night-time skies even at high elevations. But this time, at 11,000' (3350m), I was not disappointed and lucky too, with the wind not pushing the forest fire smoke overhead, and recent storms having cleansed the atmosphere of much particulate matter. With a clear sky, one sees not just individual stars, but the entire Milky Way stretching 180° across the sky, imparting insight into why it is so-named.

How to explain the sense of wonder at the brilliance of 10,000 times as many stars as in the murky-aired San Francisco Bay Area? It is truly an experience, a palpable thrill. Try it someday.

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