Photo # 3 (Nov 2008)

What created this unusual space ribbon? Most assuredly, one of the most violent explosions ever witnessed by ancient humans. Back in the year 1006 AD, light reached Earth from a stellar explosion in the constellation of the Wolf (Lupus), creating a "guest star" in the sky that appeared brighter than Venus and lasted for over two years. The supernova, now cataloged at SN 1006, occurred about 7,000 light years away and has left a large remnant that continues to expand and fade today. Pictured above is a small part of that expanding supernova remnant dominated by a thin and outwardly moving shock front that heats and ionizes surrounding ambient gas. SN 1006 now has a diameter of nearly 60 light years. Within the past year, an even more powerful explosion occurred far across the universe that was visible to modern humans, without any optical aid, for a few seconds.

As above, so below. Major changes come upon us, sometimes with violent explosions of matter or awareness. And the universe will continue, with or without the presence and contributions of humanity. The choices are ours...

May we clear the inner turmoils that leave us open to conflicts which prevent our concerted, collaborative efforts to save this wonderful planet of ours from our destructive inclinations... 
                      -Daniel Benor, MD