Seeing Stars, Satellites, or Both?

My day-time caregiver leaves around 5:00 every afternoon. Our goal is to have my physical cares complete, appear decent (at least for me), and be sitting in bed and on my computer. This works fine, but it means I'm generally in my room every evening. The arrangement doesn't allow for extra activities, like star-gazing.

I generally get one night a year to be out to see the stars, July 4. While waiting for fireworks to start, I look up at the sky and see God's creation. Unfortunately, my town moved there location for fireworks and we can no longer see them from our house. Therefore, we stay inside during our Independence Day celebrations. A few weeks ago, I did get to enjoy a short version of my annual viewing.

My family went out for supper in a nearby town with several close relatives. With stopping for ice cream after supper, it was nearly 9:30 when we returned home. As soon as dad got me out of the van, I drove through the garage, out on the driveway, and slightly tilted my chair.

While dad finished unloading the van, I sat and let my eyes focus on the tiny dots of light. As I tried to ignore the street light, I thought I noticed a few planes as well. I may have seen some, but quickly concluded they were too fast and close together for aircraft and were likely satellites. I have read a few comments that the increase in satellites, especially from Star Link, have made time-lapse star photography nearly impossible. However, I think they add to the eye candy. Continuing to sit in-front of the house, I pondered the amazing creation God has made and knowledge He has provided to scientists and engineers.

The same creator of the tiny gnat that flies in your face also created nebulae, vast areas in space containing gas and other items. Yet, all this just receives one line in the Bible, "He made the stars also."

In less than ten minutes, it was time to go inside again. My annual time to see the stars is likely done for the year. When the sun starts to set around 6:00, or earlier, it's generally too cold for me to willingly sit outside. I'm thankful for whatever glimpse of creation I can experience and continuing to learn about the God who spoke it all into existence.