Field Notes

Pleiades

I recently had a unique experience, perhaps even an epiphany.  Over the long Labor Day weekend, my family and I traveled to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.  While there, I had the opportunity to reconnect with the night sky through my daughter’s eyes.  As many amateur astronomers know, the recent weather in the mid-Atlantic has been fabulous for observing; clear and cool with great transparency.

On one cool evening, my in-laws stoked up the outdoor fireplace and we all gathered around to enjoy the evening and the night sky.  With the exception of the firelight, there were almost no other lights in the adjacent homes.  The Milky Way was so bright you could almost reach up and touch it.  We all chatted and enjoyed the night sky.  What made my experience different?  In my lap sat my 3 1/2 year old daughter, Ellie.  Although born with Down’s Syndrome, Ellie was able connect with the night sky as well as any of us.  As Ellie laid in my arms, she continued to look up at the night sky with eyes wide like a Japanese animae character.  As she did this, the largest, brightest and most joyful smile crossed her face and she repeated the sign for stars.  Ellie is currently non-verbal, which means she does not speak yet.  We are fortunate that she has done wonderfully learning American Sign Language.

As we stared at the night sky together, Ellie would point and frequently reach up as though trying to touch the stars.  I sang her favorite lullaby, “Twinkle, twinkle little star.”  Hey, I’m and amateur astronomer, of course I taught her that lullaby.  As the evening continued, I realized that the sky was no longer Messier objects, stars, constellations, or planets, it had become art and connection.  Despite the fact that Ellie did not know anything technical about the sky and that our communication was limited to signing stars, we shared a definite connection.

That night, I saw the night sky in a way we should never forget, beauty, wonderment, and awe.  Soon, Ellie drifted off to sleep in the cool air, nestled in Daddy’s arms.  As I experienced this utter tranquility, I had to ask myself who was more at peace, her or me.  What thoughts and ideas went through her little mind as she took in the the beauty of the night sky?  Did she see the joy and peace on my face as I had seen on hers?

Whether you are an astronomer, or not, I strongly encourage you to seek out this feeling.  The next clear, cool night, step outside with your kids.  Leave the optics, charts and knowledge behind.  Bring only child like wonderment.  Perhaps the night sky will bring you joy, peace, romance, tranquilityor calm.  The experience provided me with a new view of the night and a new view for the next day and all the rest to follow.