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Stop, Look, and Wonder Sidewalk Telescopes Are Bringing the Universe to You
I’ve also found inspiration in the idea of joy, not as fleeting happiness, but as something deeper, more stable. I’ve been reading “The Book of Joy,” which captures conversations between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. One line struck me: “We can face suffering in a way that ennobles rather than embitters.” That’s what I want. To face the hard things without becoming hard myself. To stay open, even when life isn’t easy. Gratitude, movement, laughter, meditation, and even dancing aren’t about ignoring reality. They’re about meeting it with strength and lightness simultaneously. Life will always deliver a mix of joy and heartbreak, ease and struggle. The only constant we control is our mindset. And while it takes effort to stay above the line, it’s worth it because the air is better up there. So, this Nov.14, I’ll take Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day seriously, even if the name makes me smile. I’ll probably write in my gratitude journal, go for a run, maybe dance around the kitchen with Marta, and laugh until the day feels a little lighter.
Imagine walking down a city sidewalk and seeing a telescope pointed toward the sky. There aren’t any ticket lines or admission fees, only a friendly smile and a view of Saturn’s rings or the craters of the moon. That’s what’s happening thanks to a growing global movement bringing astronomy directly to the people, right on the streets! In cities worldwide, astronomy enthusiasts are setting up powerful telescopes in parks, on sidewalks, and in busy downtown areas. Their mission is simple: to share the wonders of the universe with anyone who happens to walk by. The best part is there’s no experience required. All you need is a little curiosity. The movement is called #popscope (short for pop-up telescope). Founded in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2014, it has expanded to include hundreds of cities in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, and India. Volunteers, often amateur astronomers or passionate stargazers, invite strangers to peer into the sky, and many people are left speechless. It’s a great reminder that we all live under the same stunning sky. These spontaneous sidewalk star parties are making science more accessible, especially for communities that don’t have easy access to observatories or science museums. Beyond amazing educational opportunities, the pop-up telescope events spark something deeply human: connection. As people gather to look up, they share a sense of awe that transcends background, language, and age. It’s hard not to feel united when staring at the vastness of space. This isn’t about high-tech gear or flashy presentations; instead, it’s an opportunity to pause for a moment amidst the noise and hustle and realize the universe is right there, waiting to be admired. Thanks to these sidewalk astronomers, more and more people are getting that chance.
—Bert Parnall
Apple-Cranberry Salad
This tangy and sweet apple-cranberry salad will steal the show at your Thanksgiving feast this year.
• 6 slices of bacon • 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette Ingredients
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries • 1 Honeycrisp apple,
peeled and thinly sliced • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 tbsp raw honey • 8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
Directions 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
To volunteer for the group, visit their website at PopScope.org.
So, the next time you’re strolling through the city and see a telescope a stranger has set up, don’t walk past it. Stop. Look. Wonder. You just might see Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings, and you’ll definitely walk away with a smile!
Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
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