Undiscovered

This morning, I was fortunate to witness some simple yet stunning surprises in the sky as I ventured out to capture the sunrise. Despite not having the time to grab a better camera, I’m grateful for the picture I was able to get because I would have otherwise missed this extraordinary shot!

While I acknowledge that this may not be the most professional picture, it was captured with the unique perspective of my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra phone camera.

Had I gone back in the house to retrieve a different camera, I would have missed the beautiful waning crescent moon (9.9% visible at 6:02 am) positioned over Venus (although it was already too bright to see Regulus just below Venus – tomorrow should be better for that).

I also would have missed that incredible little streak in the sky southeast of Venus. Yes! That is a shooting star! Meteors entering the atmosphere often come in parallel to the ground, thus appearing sideways in the sky rather than the typical “falling” star. These meteors are usually easier to spot than those that fall straight down and tend to be longer-lasting than their classic shooting star counterparts. This was not part of one of the several periodic meteor showers that astronomers and amateur observers wait for every year. This was one of countless solitary and sporadic shooting stars that fall to the earth outside the meteor showers we are accustomed to seeing.  

In the end, I had much to take away from this simple photo.

First, if the opportunity is there, take the picture! As I said, had I gone back for a better camera, I might’ve gotten a better photo, but I would have missed this one altogether.

Further expanding on the better camera, it’s also important to note that while people may have moments of clarity in their lives, life itself is rarely clear and in focus. Many of my photos are representations and extensions of my life, so a slightly out-of-focus picture showcases more than you can imagine!

Next, I’ve learned to appreciate that what you’re after isn’t always what you get. I went out to get a sunrise picture. Yes, the sunrise is there, but so was that sliver of the moon hanging out in the last bit of the night sky with a radiant Venus clinging in the darkness like a soul refusing to surrender under the weight of a heavy sleep. And the shooting star….well, that was just icing on the cake, as the saying goes. Beautiful, magical, and splendid! A perfect way to say goodnight to the moon and welcome the sun.

Furthermore, there is a mysticism and magic in the skies that ultimately unite us all without us even realising it. We all look up to the same moon and feel the warmth of the same sun, no matter where we are on this earth. That link is not only brilliant but also hopeful, in that we can be one or as one, with no regard for the distance between us, creating a bond that defines humanity at its core. This shared experience in nature is a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness.

“Always remember we are under the same sky, looking at the same moon.” ~ Maxine Lee.

Lastly, I reflect upon a shooting star. The act of wishing upon a shooting star often provides hope and joy for many people, even when they know their wish likely won’t come true (e.g., to be rich, to be famous, never to have to work again, etc.). So, did I make a wish, as so many people do when they see one? No, I did not. I did, however, consider it one of my lucky stars to count. I’ve been fortunate in my life to witness many cool things, and this was one of them! I’m grateful enough for that. Rare and beautiful moments like this one are as good as any wish come true for me, though I certainly wouldn’t turn down the riches or fame if it were ever dropped in my lap!

In the end, one picture captured a multitude of sentiments, and wherever you are under the sun and moon, I’m glad we got to share it.