"I started photographing my domestic world and writing not just about what I had made,
but why I made it, examining the thoughts that accompany creativity and the act of making."
Jane Brocket from The Gentle Art of Domesticity p. 189 UK edition

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Five on Friday: **Star Struck**

No, I have not been visiting Hollywood, or Broadway, or any entertainment spots and thus bumped into any entertainment giants.  Nor have I been hired by anyone to type this, but I want to tell you five things about a good book I just finished reading as I join with thanks to Amy at her Love Made My Home Blog for her Five on Friday Link Up.

One:
When my dad was in his early teens in the 1920's he bought a ticket to the moon from a comic book. As an adult he was a keen observer of the Space Race to get a man to walk on the moon and his interest fueled mine.  My mom encouraged my interest in the stars as well when she made a Martian costume [including springy antennas] for me for Halloween when I was in second grade. Little did I know that my younger cousin living far from my home in Missouri was developing an even keener interest in astronomy.  From the time he was eight years old, my cousin, David Bradstreet, in Brockton, Massachusetts, was peering through telescopes studying the stars.

Two:
According to his book "Star Struck: Seeing the Creator in the Wonders of Our Cosmos" book cover, David "is an award-winning professor, author, and astronomy "rock star" who has been teaching students about the heavens since 1976 at Eastern University, where he serves as professor and chair of the Astronomy and Physics department and as director of the David H. Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium."

Three:
"Dave earned an MS and a PhD in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the International Astronomical Union.  He authored the Binary Maker 3.0 software program that helps astronomical researchers calculate the orbits of binary stars."

Four:
In his book, communicating as a Christian in a complex scientific field of study, David, succeeds in sharing the history of astronomy in an engaging way with the assistance of writer Steve Rabey. From scientists accused of heresy to contemporary examples of science fiction lore, including Mr. Spock and E.T., David thoughtfully reflects how science has not threatened his faith in Christ, but rather enhanced his appreciation of God through God's amazing creation.

Five:
David especially finds binary stars incredibly beautiful.  He wrote, " A distant relative of mine praised pairs centuries ago in her most famous poem.  Anne Bradstreet was born in England in 1612 and sailed to America on a ship with fellow Puritans.  By the time she died at age sixty, she was being hailed as one of the New World's top poets, and her "To My Dear and Loving Husband" was one of her most popular poems."

"I sometimes think of her opening line when I'm studying a pair of close binaries: "If ever two were one, then surely we."


As I read David's latest book and how he recorded the struggles of scientists in the past to explore greater understanding of the world only to find their lives threatened by those afraid of their theories, I felt encouraged to look at the big picture of life the authors presented.  Conflict and cruelty happen, but sometimes apology and forgiveness happen afterward; and in the midst of this cycle of exploration, rejection and acceptance, the beauty of the Creator in His creation can still draw one to feel love and appreciation as one observes as the Psalmist,
          How clearly the sky reveals God's glory!
              How plainly it shows what He has done!
          Each day announces it to the following day;
              each night repeats it to the next.
          No speech or words are used;
              no sound is heard.
          Yet their message goes out to all the world
              and is heard to the ends of the earth.   Psalm 19:1-4 GNT

Are you star struck?

Gracie xx





22 comments:

  1. I think the universe is a wonderful place - whether or not there's a god behind it.

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  2. Wonderful Gracie! You tied this post together so beautifully! Well done. Your cousin's work is pretty darn awesome. My oldest son has taken a keen interest in astronomy since he took a course in college. He also has a wide open, unobstructed view of the sky where he is in Colorado so enjoys sitting out in his backyard on a dark night viewing the stars and the moon. :)

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  3. Gracie, I sit outside each morning about 5.30am with my first cup of tea,to watch the dawn come up and listen to God. At this time of year the stars are out as I sit and Orion faces me. Was only thinking this morning that I must find a map of the stars so I can name all the others that I see in front of me.
    Who can doubt a Creator when faced with all that morning glory?

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  4. A lovely post Gracie. Yes the stars have always fascinated me. I remember following with great excitement man's journey to the moon in the late 60's. B xx

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  5. How wonderful Gracie, I must try to locate a copy of your cousins book so that I can read it.

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  6. Great post Gracie! My youngest brother has been in the space industry forever (building satellites, etc.). When he was very young he used to think that he was a Martian who had been adopted by our parents - lol.

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  7. How exciting to learn all about your cousin's interest. Sounds like a great person.

    Happy Five on Friday!

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  8. This is such a wonderful post you have shared with us, Gracie. As a Christian, I'm always amazed at God's creations. This book written by your cousin sounds very enlightening. I loved reading about your interest in astronomy as a child. I hope you have a wonderful Friday. Hugs, Patp

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  9. Awesome post! I have always loved the stars. Thank you for the Psalms, how absolutely fitting and perfect for this post. I remember when one of the astronauts went to the space station they took along a Bible. I thought how wonderful that would have been to be on the space station in the heavens looking down upon Earth and reading His word. It still sends chills through out my body just thinking about it. Wishing you a lovely day sweet friend. :)

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  10. Space, stars and the skies are always fascinating to research. I'm visiting from Five on Friday.

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  11. Have a great day super star! Jo x

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  12. What a wonderful post Gracie. Our Father created such beauty when he made the Heavens. I used to study more about the stars and the details of how each is laid in a specific place and time can only reinforce the knowledge of God. Otherwise absolute chaos would ensue. How wonderful that your cousin and shown this in his book. Thank you for letting us know about it.
    Blessings my sweet friend,
    Betsy

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  13. What an interesting post, your relative sounds fascinating. Yes I'm star struck and always have been. Hope they send people to Mars in my lifetime.

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  14. My hubby is the star struck one in our family as is my grandson. I love your tribute to your cousin and to his book!

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  15. Of course! The universe is an amazing and divine mystery to me. Every night I step outside to 'gaze at the stars'. How wonderful to have such an accomplished member of your family. When you mentioned Brockton, Mass. I got a little nostalgic, as I lived there as a little girl and grew up nearby the rest of my childhood. I agree that science and the divine are completely compatible, as one endows the other. I don't think that I would want to leave our beautiful Earth, though. Sending hugs xo Karen

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  16. Such a wonderful post today Gracie.
    Hugs to you and happy weekend,
    Meredith

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  17. My son is an amateur astronomer. He attends "Star Parties". Everyone goes up on a hill and sets up their telescopes. At a specified time, you either leave or you're committed for the night, because no headlights after the deadline. One place they go even has a little shack where you can go to nap or warm up. If you set up for a time lapse photo, it must get pretty boring. At least you can talk to each other. I'd have to have a chair, a blanket, a thermos of coffee, and a book on tape.

    Don't you just love having such a talented and interesting relative?

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  18. it is an amazing post.. love to read it..
    please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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  19. Oh wow! So neat that your cousin wrote the book! Thanks for sharing about it with us. My aunt gave us a telescope some time ago, but we haven't gotten around to trying it out yet.

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  20. Definitely. I love the mystery and magic of the stars.
    Amalia
    xo

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  21. Wonderful post, so interesting to read about your talented cousin and his amazing work and book! I love looking at the moon and stars...and the sea and sky...all magical to me.
    Wishing you a happy weekend Gracie.
    Helen xox

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  22. An uplifting read, Gracie, especially as you close with an inspiring psalm. I admire your relative who can use his scientific knowledge together with his faith to write about it and enlighten others. Our universe is amazing and some aspects are mysterious yet I believe my God is at the centre of it. Have a good day, friend.

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