“Cosmos” | Nikon D800, 200mm f/4 macro
We are all made of star dust indeed. The rock before me, formed from many of the same elements that I am. We both originated in the cosmos somewhere. I tend to spend a lot of time looking at the sky amazed at what I can see, and thoroughly depressed about what I can’t. I will likely never meet another being that didn’t originate on this planet. I am utterly fascinated by what such a discovery would mean, and how it would shape attitudes and perceptions of human beings around the world. It would finally break the human-centric attitudes of many.
The video below is a short talk by Neil DeGrasse Tyson which really hits on so many of the points that make me wonder. My wonder goes not just to the surface of this rock and it’s similarities to the cosmos, but to the many layers within that I cannot see. Looking through my macro camera lens may just as well be looking through a telescope.
What a lovely rock photo, Mark. It even reminds me of Leptothrix discophora. 🙂
In a way it does! Thanks Linda.
The video and the post above inspired me to explore many things in the world that never be explored. Too many good things in the world that we must know from now. The Cosmos image are really wonderfull too.
Mark, another of your very fine macro shots…wonderfully named. It reminds me there are great wonders everywhere…even under our very feet if we should just look.
I think, if they could, the powers that be would try and hide a first contact with another intelligent race of beings not of this world. So much of our world, our beliefs, our very identity and social integrity is based upon the concept of mankind being the highest level of intelligence and achievement — created in the image of “God” itself. There would probably be much chaos and that’s assuming the first contact was with peaceful intent, which very well might not be the case. It probable wouldn’t be a good day for the stock market! 😉
I tend to agree Earl. As much as I would hope that it could make humans come closer together, somehow I think the reaction would be of fear. After all, if the point Tyson makes in the video were to come true, we might be considered “expendable.” But then again, I would hope more intelligent life would react differently than we would.
Wonderful image Mark and a very interesting video as well thanks for sharing !!
What a beautiful image and a timely blog post, given the launch of the new Cosmos series. Reminds me of the images captured by the Hubbell telescope. How wonderful to see the same beauty in small detail that we see on a cosmic scale.
Thank you Fay. Yes, I have been watching the new Cosmos series with interest, and it was on my mind.
I share in being awed by the wonders and my head is often filled with questions too though I don’t find myself needing any answers. Maybe I’m just too lazy 🙂
By the way, that is another wonder-filled abstract you’ve made Mark.
Some things I am content with not knowing, others bother me that we will eventually know – but I will probably be gone by then. Thanks Cedric.
Thanks for sharing the video. He is almost like a preacher in his actions and voice. Makes you think as does you post. There is so much of this world we still have to explore and learn from whether though a tele-scope or a macro lens.
Yes, he certainly is passionate and energetic about science! To think we understand really so little despite how much we do know is quite amazing.