I went outside earlier tonight, because the trash needed to be taken out. Stepping out the front door to stand at the top of the walkway, it felt like stepping onto a stage and into the spotlight of the supermoon. It’s been a while since I’ve been outside at night and even longer since I’ve taken notice of the moon.
What a mysterious celestial body, and one that is rather taken for granted come to think of it. After the past few days of cloudy weather and rain, I was happy this morning to be greeted by sunlight flooding the living room. But do I ever think about the waning and waxing crescent phases of the moon? I can’t say I do. Although every now and then I am captivated by a full moon.
I am reminded of a strong curiosity for astronomy and the sciences in general as a child and teenager. I was particularly drawn to early 20th century physicists and chemists, my hero being Marie Curie. While it may seem obvious now, I think I was as enamored of her person and life story as I am of her astonishing scientific achievements.
In the many biographies, including the magnum opus by her daughter Ève Curie, of Marie Curie and other scientists of that time that I devoured, a common photo often appeared in the various books. It is of the 5th Solvay Conference in which some of the greatest scientists ever, practically all Nobel Prize winners, are photographed together. Looking at this photo now, it still moves me. Maybe even more so now.
I was completely captivated by Madame Curie and her incredible story and person, truly singular and inspiring. But this photo from 1927 in which she was the only woman in a crowd of men, next to Einstein no less, propelled me by giving wing to great imagination, freedom and the idea that I too could do whatever I want.
While I did not pursue the sciences nor will I be a Nobel Prize recipient, I would say that so far I have been doing whatever I want. And on this note I say let’s take it a notch higher and Fly Me to the Moon, Come Fly with Me!