We’re Small, Really Small

On this somber day, it’s worth reflecting on how small our fragile planet and the life on it really is. 

To help visualize the vast, lonely scale of our Solar System, here’s a great visualization from National Geographic:

To end this week, consider this thought from Carl Sagan:

“For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.” 

Next week we’ll be talking about highlights of the Autumn sky, to get started, here’s Sky & Telescope’s weekly “Sky At a Glance”:

This Week's Sky at a Glance, September 11 - 19 - Sky & Telescope

■ Jupiter and Saturn continue shining in the south at dusk. They turn horizontal during twilight, then tilt to the right as evening advances. They set in the southwest around 1 a.m. ■ Vega passes the zenith about an hour after sunset (during late twilight) for those of us at mid-northern latitudes.

Join us next week, Wednesday 9/16 @ 6:00 PM for our virtual program “Autumn Stargazing.” Email LBmartin@cityofwestminster.us to register for this free virtual program.

Check back each weekday @ 5:00 pm for more observing guides and science news!

Learn more at: www.StandleyLakeStargazing.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/StandleyLakeStargazing

If you'd like to support us, visit www.patreon.com/StandleyLakeStargazing

Looking for a new telescope? The experts at Mile High Astronomy in Lakewood would love to help you out, visit them at www.milehighastro.com and www.facebook.com/MileHighAstro/

Leave comments and questions on our page and feel free to reach us directly at contact@standleylakestargazing.com. As always-

Stay well, and clear skies!