Eclectic Perambulations in the Noosphere
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Photo: Steve Black
The Orion Nebula is one of the brightest in the night sky and lies south of Orion's Belt. It is 1344 (plus or minus 20) light years away and is the closest huge star formation area to earth. As such, it is the most photographed in the night sky and has taught us much about star and planetary formation.
Spirit Houses
The Native village of Eklutna has a fascinating old cemetery, still in use, in which each grave is enclosed by a highly decorated spirit house the size of a large dollhouse.
The interior of Alaska is home to the Athabaskan Native Peoples. Specific to the Eklutna area are the Danaina or Tanaina, Athabaskans. These colorful spirit houses are a uniquely Athabaskan tradition ; according to cultural beliefs. Spirit houses were built by the family after the person’s death. A wonderful and unique mix of this native tradition with the practices and beliefs of Orthodox Christianity can be seen in the cemetery. The graves of the Athabaskan people are marked not only with their traditional spirit houses, but also with an Orthodox Christian Cross. There are also graves marked only with crosses, honoring the resting places of the Orthodox non- native members of the church.
by Nel Graham
"A profusion of poppies! The image above is from the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve located west of Lancaster near the west end of the Mojave Desert. The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica Cham.) has been the state flower since 1903 and April 6 is officially designated in the state as California Poppy Day. Native Americans valued it as a food source for the oil extracted from the seeds. It was also known as copa de oro - "cup of gold". The poppies grow in arid areas all over the state and throughout the Americas. The best displays happen in early spring after a rainy winter. Many other native wildflowers also bloom in abundance in the area of the preserve."
Amazing aerial photography by Stephan Zirwes
organised into themes and sectors, the images on his web site make fascinating viewing, particularly the industrial and construction shots.
