I first visited the Observatory with my Dad maybe 50 years ago – and it was there on that day, looking at black and white images on the Dome walls of galaxies and the Milky Way that a passion was born for all things space. Every time we now visit Canberra I make a pilgrimage to the mountain and try to reconnect with that time – before moon landings and computerised personal telescopes such as I now own … There are new buildings now across the summit with very sophisticated equipment and a new generation of astronomers, but the memory of that original Observatory and the way that it opened my mind to future possibilities will never be forgotten.
had never waited to be known, never waited
to be forgotten, had never been; waiting
beneath the long dead stars
in time. . .”
― John Daniel Thieme, paulinskill hours and other poems
Interesting post….I love stories like these, where something sparked a fascination, a passion, and even though that trigger is no longer there powerful memories remain.
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Thanks Sue – I imagine we all have a spark somewhere… waiting to be fanned into a flame.
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Thank you. I gave the Daily Press challenge a miss this week because I couldn’t tackle this theme. But I’m so glad I stumbled on your post. I’ve wandered through many a museum in my lifetime, and will see many more yet, but I wonder if anything will trigger as much emotion as the melted mirror and optical glass encrusted with debris that was on display at the National Museum of Australia.
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Thanks Cherrie – I still have to get to the NMA and see that melted glass – I’ve seen pics of it. It’s hard to imagine that much heat coming over the mountain on that afternoon.
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I wondered where the name ‘Alien shores’ came from? You’ve given me a big clue 🙂
You’ve changed your format since I was here last. I like it!
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Thanks Sue – I’ve always been inspired by the prospect of exploring other worlds (Alien Shores) … and science fiction is slowly becoming fact as we begin to venture out soon to Mars and beyond. I love Carl Sagan’s words – “Maybe it’s a little early. Maybe the time is not quite yet. But those other worlds — promising untold opportunities — beckon. Silently, they orbit the Sun, waiting.”
Glad you like the Expound Theme.
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