Holiday Greetings from Out of this World

Today, I am participating in "The Secret is in the Sauce" Holiday Greetings. This is a fun blog whose goal is to share support and comments. They are spreading some holiday cheer today with great prizes including a $200 gift card to "Tar-jay" aka Target. No contests or silly games, your comments are your entry.

Being the science nerd I am, (daughter of an engineer, didn't stand a chance), I hope you enjoy these Greetings from "Out of this World".

A Frown in the Night Sky
The planetary conjunction of the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter on December 1, 2008. (Venus is the brighter planet on the left, Jupiter is on the right.)




The Space Shuttle Endeavor Lands at Edwards Air Force Base, November 30, 2008



I was cleaning out the flower beds in my backyard on a picture perfect Sunday afternoon when I simultaneously heard/felt BOOM BOOM. The windows of the house shook, the dog awoke from his nap barking, and car alarms started to shriek. My thought process, "That was an earthquake, no, a big car accident right out front, NO, It was the Space Shuttle landing". And sure enough, that's what it was, the rupture of the atmosphere caused by the friction of the nose and tail of the Shuttle entering the sky about 50 miles from my home in Southern California. Sincere Thanks to Jeff for this wonderful video which includes the sonic booms.

The unique closeness of the planets of Venus and Jupiter and our moon, witnessing and sharing in the homecoming of our astronauts from Outer Space reminds of how vast our wonderful Universe is and how blessed I am to share my small part of it.

Peace, Health, Happiness to You and Yours, Martha