My fascination with space started as a kid, I’m not sure which started the fascination; re-runs of sci-fi programs or watching NASA shuttle launches. Becoming an astronaut was a childhood dream but tragedies like the Challenger dampened this desire.

I still loved the mystery of outer space. Staring up at the night sky, even now, I am amazed at how long it takes for the light of a star to reach the earth. When staring up at the stars, I think about the time in history when the light of the star started it’s journey.

For my 21st, my parents gave me a telescope. To be able to examine the night sky, at my leisure, with more than the naked eye was fantastic. To be able to crawl across the moon examining the craters was just an awesome experience.

One of the disadvantages of living in the city is the light pollution which makes viewing the night sky in all it’s glory very difficult. When visiting more remote areas, it is such a joy to spent part of the evening staring at the stars above.