Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Illinois Earthquake

For the second time in my life I have been awakened by an earthquake.  It happened early this morning, between 4 and 5 o'clock.  There is an unnatural tremor unlike any thing else that accompanies an earthquake.  That bit of anecdotal evidence is the result of being awakened by two earthquakes - take it for what it is worth.  I had always wanted to feel one.  I have come close enough. 

This is especially true when I think of Haiti.  250,000 estimated dead.   Our county only has 14,000 residents.  Champaign county has 196,000; McClean county 170,000.  I cannot,  in my wildest dreams, imagine that many people disppearing from the planet as a result of one catastrophic event.  And yet, it happens with some regularity on our planet.  And, the questions fly.  Why this, why them, why there, why, why, why?  Maybe I should be asking why not here?  Why not me? 

I am not wise enough to pronounce it an act of judgment, although all such occurences are wake up calls for us all.  A tower fell crushing to death several people.  Jesus said they were not worse sinners than those who did not die.  But, all of us better take note.  Life is a vapor.

Two earthquakes, both since coming to Gibson City.  Hmmm. 

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Check Out Mars!

A lot of misinformation has been on the web about how large Mars would appear to the naked eye at this particular period of time.  Some sites were claiming Mars would be as large as the moon!  That is impossible unless Mars and the Earth moves a significant distnace closer to one another.  Which, if that happens, would give us bigger issues with which to concern ourselves than how big and bright Mars appears.

What is true is that this month Mars is closer to us than it has been or will be in our life time and that it is bright.  In fact, it is the brightest object in the evening sky except for the Moon and the star Sirius.  You know it is Mars because it is rust colored.  Look in the Eastern sky around 8:00 P.M. You do not need a telescope or binoculars to enjoy seeing it.  All that does need to happen is for the clouds to part! 

And, while you are looking at it, think about the two rovers currently sitting on the surface of Mars and the biggy brains necessary to get them there.  I think the initial life expectancy of the two rovers was 90 days and they have been going strong for 6 years.  Pretty amazing.