Hubble Telescope “Spies” a Cosmic Butterfly (huffingtonpost.com)
Amazing! That was the impression I recall when I think back to The Imax Theater’s 3D movie production of the Hubble Telescope. It was beyond incredible! The images from the telescope and the scientific discoveries were absolutely mind-boggling. I returned several times just to try to begin to absorb such infinite significance.
Remember how much fun it used to be to go to an observatory and look through telescopes? Not anymore! Earth’s atmosphere distorts even the most sophisticated telescope’s photographs so that they seem primitive and inadequate. The Hubble orbits the entire earth in 97 minutes, traveling 5 miles/second, capturing a crystal-clear display of stars and worlds in countless galaxies. There is no atmosphere to interfere with the Hubble’s picture-taking abilities so, it’s phenomenal visual achievement will ultimately enlighten scientists and amaze onlookers for years to come.
Sitting in the movie theater and attempting to comprehend the perfect order of space truly realigns and rearranges one’s perspective and priorities. I felt slightly foolish for focusing on some over-analyzed problem: Like when an opportunity slipped through my fingers because someone else’s song was better (or at least better for a certain project). It’s not to say that thoughts and feelings aren’t important. Of course, they are but obsessively dwelling on them is unproductive. As if all nature around us isn’t reason enough for endless optimism, looking through the eyes of the Telescope, we see that the expanse and majesty of the universe is breathtakingly limitless!
With all the commotion and divisiveness surrounding us today, there is the temptation to gravitate towards negativity and hopelessness. Instead, we should be reminding ourselves to look upward and outward. This is exactly the time to stop to smell the roses, make a wish on a shooting star and appreciate the goodness that does exist in the world. The enormity of the Universe reminds us of the innumerable opportunities for success available to all those who seize the moment.
I think I still have a lot to learn about dark matter, black holes, overcoming obstacles and the secrets of success. But I remember the magnificent reality check Imax’s Hubble presentation was. There will always be hurdles to jump and issues to resolve. But that is, actually, a good thing, since it develops patience, character, and problem-solving skills.
Wouldn’t it be something if we could make splendid contributions that improved our own lives and the lives of those around us? What lessons could we discover from the resplendent galaxies filmed by Hubble? We are all still alive, we have the time. Do we have the inclination to explore this wildly wonderful planet and each one’s incredible purpose in it!
Shouldn't we just pull up our big-boy/big-girl pants, step up to the plate, take our best swing, and give it a TRY? Go ahead, see if we can knock the ball out of the park. Stand back and watch it fly as far as the eye can see. Then let’s use our imaginations to envision the astronomic milestone we just accomplished, which will be photoengraved for generations to come, by the phenomenally spectacular and unforgettable Hubble Telescope!