“Comet NEOWISE”

Location: Lynx Constellation (2020)

Comet NEOWISE leaves behind a trail of dust and charged particles as it soars through the night sky on July 15th, 2020.

Not since 1997 when Comet Hale-Bopp scorched through the night sky has a comet been visible with the naked eye.

Photographed from the football field at Chehalem Valley Middle School in Newberg, Oregon, I used a telephoto lens to get up close to the comet.

My brother joined me. A rare visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. We social distanced and wore masks while enjoying a moment to appreciate this natural wonder.

When reflecting on this photograph, I see not a comet, but a hole torn in fabric. Sand spilling out of a pocket.

There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on our planet. “Comet NEOWISE “ is a reminder of how inextricably connected we are to the fabric of the cosmos.