The author shares a transformative experience of viewing Saturn through a small telescope at a local arts center. This event, although unplanned, revealed a long-held desire to see the planet in person rather than through images. The vivid description of Saturn's colors and rings emphasizes the wonder that can arise from real experiences, contrasting sharply with preconceived notions formed by images. The author reflects on this moment as a unique item on a personal bucket list, underscoring the importance of elemental experiences in life.
I have long been obsessed with that delta between the thing and the image. Therein lies wonder.
I looked and saw the planet Saturn, its surface a hazy blend of yellows, browns, and slate grays, hanging like a Christmas tree ornament in the blackness.
It is hard to describe that realness in words. You know what Saturn looks like. It looks like the photo atop this blog.
I didn't know that item was on my bucket list until I did it, or even that I had a list.
Collection
[
|
...
]