Eleven years ago, I found myself in a remote location on Grammos, a mountain in northern Greece, and although I was born and raised in a rural area with little light pollution and very clear skies, experiencing the dark sky of Grammos was a life changing experience.
During those nights, we didn’t just admire the sky with the naked eye. We explored it through telescopes, and observed the Veil Nebula, the Hercules Cluster, the Andromeda Galaxy, all of the Deep Sky 101 must-see objects, and a few more notable celestial objects such as the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) and the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51).
Describing such moments can be challenging. Words like ‘enchanting’ or ‘mesmerizing’ hardly seem adequate, even a bit trite. Often, the best response is a quiet smile and a simple, “You had to be there.”
Spending a few nights stargazing was a pivotal moment in my life, leading me to pursue a Master’s in Astrophysics and a career in research and science communication ever since. And although everyone has their own path to take, stargazing and astronomy can be an eye-opening experience inspiring for everyone, regardless of one’s profession or scientific background.
Whether it is spending a few days camping in the woods looking at the night sky or having a small telescope to use at your own pace and enjoying the summer sky with family and friends, stargazing can give you the versatility of having an alternative type of activity that relaxes and calms the mind, cultivates the imagination and provides powerful inspiration for every aspect of your life.
Stargazing isn’t just about viewing, it’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, embracing the tranquility of the night and allowing the vastness of space to inspire your imagination. Ultimately, whether you’re a scientist or simply a curious soul, the night sky offers a unique space for reflection and wonder.
Written by: Nantia Moutsouroufi