Fire in the Sky

Late today after working to organize our pantry's big influx of food, we went down to Pohoiki for the sunset and so I could take a swim in the ocean.  This weekend the surf was very high, and it was a thrill just to watch the surfers on extra big waves -- while staying close to shore.  Blowing out over the ocean was a hazy layer of brownish pink cloud -- smoke from the fire, ash and volcanic gases. (Not currently at our house.)

Simulation of two colliding galaxies.

We've been so focused on looking at the ground, volcanic flow, gravity specific topo maps and such, when we got an email from a neighbor about the "glow" from the flow behind Pahoa, it was distraction to go outside on a deep dark (no moon) night to take in the sky.  From our house it is actually a very soft smudge.  On the other hand, the Milky Way was STUNNING.

www.capitalbay.com  PHOTOS

At our house, it is arcing across the sky like a shimmering scarf of diamond dust -- in an true North South orientation.  This has always perplexed me somehow as if I was seeing things sideways.  Then I remembered the recent entry Sept 4) about the discovery of our Galactic Cluster "Laniakea" where ribbons of galaxies enfold each other like a huge rose.  So, we are topsy-turvy so to speak, just hangin' out against a dark background (apologies to Iain Banks.)  Good to know our place in the scheme of things.