My Start in Astronomy

I have always been interested in astronomy, but haven't realized how much until recently.  The first time I remember actually looking up and enjoying the night sky was with my Dad.  We would sit on a little hill in the backyard of our house and watch the sunset.  We would talk about how school went for me and how work was for him.  We must have had a lot to talk about on this particular day because we talked long after the sun went down.  We rested our backs on the hill and looked up at the stars.  After this night, I would spend many nights sleeping out under the stars in the backyard with my brother, sister, and friends. My love for the night sky was beginning to churn. 

In 1995 and 1996 comet Hale-Bopp lit up the night sky. I remember two distinctive tails, one blue and one green. This comet was visible in Utah for roughly 8 months.  I am always looking forward to another bright comet to come our way for a spectacular view.  Also in 1995 one of the NASA space shuttles flew through Utah on the back of a 747. I believe it was Endeavour but my memory is cloudy.  My Dad was excited to tell me to watch for it the day it flew over.

A few years went by when my parents, sister, and I moved to a house that had somewhat darker skies. From here, I was able to make out the spiral arm of the Milky Way.  I would spend hours looking up at the night sky in awe.  I recently found a very nice location for stargazing that I have nicknamed "Area 62."  From there, I can clearly see the Milky Way.  

I am currently attending a university to earn my bachelors degree in physics.  After which, I will move out of Utah to earn an astrophysics degree.  Astrophysics is exciting to me because I feel that the universe is calling me.  I want to discover why the universe is the way that it is.  What's it made of?  Why do black holes act the way they do?  Why does gravity works the way it does?  Where are the other living organisms located in our universe and how can we detect and study them?  

The night sky fascinates me like a fishing lure attracts a fish, hence my blog name - "Cosmic Lure".  Space is so vast and exciting - yet governed by laws and mathematics; all of which I want to explore.  My goal for this blog is to have a place to write about the things that fascinate me.  I hope you will dive in and become a fish on the line too!