For those of you who are astrologically oriented, Betelgeuse is the 10th brightest star in the sky. Orion the Hunter is a constellation best seen the Western hemisphere beginning in January. Betelgeuse is the shoulder of Orion. The star is a red supergiant that is almost 650 million light years away. Betelgeuse has a radius of 617 million kilometers, for comparison, if it replaced our Sun, the Earth’s orbit would be inside the star.
I missed a once in a lifetime opportunity on 11th of December. For six second, Orion lost its vibrant red star, eclipsed by a sizeable asteroid, Leona, a space rock blocked the view. Betelgeuse has earned lots of attention since 2019 when astronomers realized its brightness was fading rapidly in what has been dubbed the Great Dimming. The star is reaching the end of its magnificent life, it is believed the color variations mark the start of what will be a supernova as Betelgeuse explodes. Don’t hold your breath, soon is in the next 10,000 to 100,000 years.
Speaking of the Great Dimming, this is a frightening time in the history of our Country and across the globe. The United States was unquestionably the North Star of democracy, a shining example of freedom. A guideline for our experiment is outlined in the Constitution and subsequent Amendments. The peaceful transition of power has been upheld through all of the challenges facing our country. George Washington warned in his Farewell Address, beware of the “baneful effects” of faction, “a fire not to be quenched”. “It demands a uniform vigilance to prevent it bursting into flame, lest, instead of warming, it shall consume.”
My brother Jack just celebrated his 77th birthday. I called to not sing to him, Mooney’s should not sing. My recent Friday messages must have been too mournful. Unsolicited, he assured me our future is safe. On his recent trip to New York, he recounted, “I saw the Statue of Liberty, the 911 Memorial and the Rockette’s” We always come together. Words of encouragement from a wise soul.
Clio is learning to spar and defend herself. One day she will protect our freedom. Keep the faith. Mike
Enjoy the holiday season.
The Great Dimming
