Astronomy

Studying astronomy is a humbling experience, putting the world into the perspective that so demonstrates the "folly of human conceits." It is both the oldest and the newest science; since ancient times, civilizations have looked at the cosmos at an attempt to explain natural phenomena or tell stories. It is the newest in the sense that we are only just beginning to physically explore that which we call space and we are only beginning to mentally grasp that obscure idea we call time. And both the old and new science of astronomy are interconnected by the ultimate goal of finding out our place in this world.

Through astronomy, I have come to draw connections between what I plan on studying--English--with science. The art of Literature and the studies of the Natural Sciences also seem to have a common desire to seek out some higher truth, some greater meaning. And when I hear elite scientists talk about their field so passionately, their words sound refreshingly poetic.

Now, the impression I'm getting from discovering the vastness of the universe is not one of a negative value. I do not feel that my time spent on Earth is any less significant, now that I can put it into astronomical perspective. Although in the pure cosmic sense, we don't make any difference. The time mankind has had on this planet--our own lives, even--are but a fraction of an eye-blink in the universe's 14 billion year history. Our tiny Earth that holds within it the aggregate of every emotion, idea, or person that we ever held dear, is but an atom on a grain of sand, on an infinite beach. Even so, the idea may be overwhelming, but it is also empowering. It shows us that, for now, we are very very alone in this ever expanding universe. All we have is that atom on that grain of sand on that infinite beach. All we ever knew has taken place within that fraction of an eye-blink. And because of that, mankind has a much deeper responsibility to each other and to its home.

And to some, maybe studying astronomy is an escape. What else is more unfamiliar to us on Earth than things such as gas giants, nebulae, and cosmic dust? "It is easier to go to the moon or to Mars than it is to penetrate your own being."