A Passionate Pursuit

When was the last time you sat in a field, back pressed against a blanket sharp and rigid with thick grass or weeds, looking up at the moving clouds – maybe even identifying cloud formations all of your own devising? There’s no doubt of the opportunity for creativity for the soul in sky gazing.

For some of us, that occurs at night. It occurs when all we hear are crickets, maybe some ruffling foxes and the occasional great horned owl. It occurs when millions upon millions of bright lights cascade among the darkening sky and a bone chilling dew begins to descend. It occurs when the evening takes us in full rapture of its brilliant display.

Astronomy isn’t just a science, it’s an addiction! We live in a world confined by our opportunities, our norms, our walls, our cars, our malls, our internets. That world has rigid structure, rules and an order to boot! But when we stare up, looking into deep space to see an amazing cluster of stars – each blue and yellow speckling together like a piece of modern art, a sense of unrestrained mental escapades awaits.

PodAstro, a new podcast focused on exploring the love of Astronomy asked members of the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers just what drove them to love the sky.

Take for instance member, Irv Schlanger. Irv’s fascination began with the moon. Since his entry into the passion, he found an even deeper draw to all things milky way. As an accomplished photographer, he creates artistic renderings of milky ways in unique settings. The tingling sensation of witnessing a stretched out cloud like milky way guide from Cassiopeia down to Sagittarius has never left him. Evenings at Cherry Springs still give him the chills.

For Irv, it’s a fusion of curiosity and awe. What connects you to your nighttime sky?

Listen and please subscribe to the show via Apple Podcast, and wherever you find your podcasts.