Stargazing

Stargazing is one of those universal activities that people enjoy around the world. It doesn't matter who or where you are, there is an undeniably wondrous quality to the stars in the sky. This week it was the blood moon that left us in awe.

To watch the lunar eclipse I went up to Woodside, CA. The local who hosted me pointed out that I did not mention in my write up - The Wild Wild West - the good things that little town offers (like a night sky un-obscured by city light pollution). So let me go ahead and say (with apologies) that there are many fine qualities to Woodside, including some fantastic stargazing spots.

That being said, I think the BEST star gazing spot I have ever had the pleasure of visiting was the top of Mt. Haleakala on Maui. I went there with a friend who told me that it is the best place on the island to watch a sunrise, or in our case, a sunset. Like me, this would be his first time stargazing up there!

First of all, it is really high up!

It is so high in elevation, in fact, that the cloud layer actually sits below the peak. That's what gives it such a clear view of the sky. It also affords for some really cool pictures while you make your way to the top.

Is he driving or flying?

Breaking through the clouds almost feels like entering another world. Haleakala is a dormant volcano, so looking down into the crater sort of looks like another world too.

The road was actually pretty crowded at the peak with so many people there waiting to watch the sunset. As they should, because it was stunning.

It was that observatory up there, though, that gave me the idea to wait for total darkness to look at the stars. Surprisingly, none of the other people who were there to watch the sunset stayed for nightfall. We had the whole universe to ourselves.

And I mean the whole universe. The absolute blackness and crystal clear weather made the most stunning night sky I have ever seen. I cannot emphasize enough how magnificently every star shines in the darkness. It is incredible how much natural light we lose at night to the light pollution of our cities. There is so much out there that we just don't see.

It is beautiful beyond comparison.