Publish Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011
My life: a wonderfully odd combination of astronomy, boating, and cooking. The title of this blog came on one of those nights in Culebra when the crew of Three@Sea gathered on the boat deck to gaze at the stars and discuss the day’s events. Cassiopeia is my favorite constellation, and as winter ends, this constellation has come close to slipping below the horizon for the spring and summer. I mentioned to Mom and Dad that, due to Earth’s orbit around the sun, the constellations in the night sky change on a seasonal basis, similar to how vegetables grow in cycles. It was at that time when Mom, Dad and I started drawing comparisons to the constellations and seasonal vegetables. Example: Orion is like a Pumpkin, and Serpens Caput (a notoriously spring constellation with a classic name) is like Asparagus.
When I lived in Boulder, I can vividly remember the start of spring, which to me, was always associated with the blossoming of crocus flowers and the reopening of the famous Boulder’s Farmers Market. Every afternoon, Mom, Dad, myself, and some friends would join into the festivities at the buzzing Pearl Street Mall, where the air would be redolent of sizzling pot stickers, perfumed flowers, fresh clover honey, ripe peaches, and spring rain. Eager sellers and buyers merrily discussed the crops and collections of that season, and Mom and I would wander along the stalls for hours, chatting with merchants, sampling the delicious goods, and heaping our basket full of spring vegetables and fruits: asparagus, baby lettuce, carrots, cherries, artichokes, and more. These were special treats which were mouthwateringly succulent after months of cold weather. I am a fall/winter girl who lives and breathes by pumpkin and squash, but I am always ready for a fresh meal of spring veggies when the season changes, just like two old friends reuniting.
For stargazers, the situation is very much the same. The winter months have brought us great treats like Orion and its corresponding nebula, Cassiopeia, the Andromeda Galaxy, Taurus, and more, and all these are stellar (pun very much intended) treats that all astro-enthusiasts love. However, when spring rolls around, stargazers everywhere will eagerly bring out their telescopes, binoculars, or lawn chairs, and prepare to extend a warm welcome to long lost companions. Spring brings us Serpens (Caput and Cauda), Ophiuchus, Leo, Libra, the Big Dipper, Virgo, and very bright, very beautiful others.
Personally, I’ve identified very few of the constellations mentioned above. But then again, when I was new to cooking, I had tried very few of the interesting and exotic vegetables associated with the season of spring. Just as I encourage everyone to expand their palate and try new cuisine, I encourage anyone (even those with urban skies!) to step outside and drink in the beauty of the dark spring night. I love the spring constellations, and after I write this, I think I’ll grab my binoculars and head out to find Leo. It’s going to be a great season filled with new discovery, and I’m content saying goodbye to my good friends Orion and Taurus for the winter. I’ll look forward to seeing them next year, just as I’ll look forward to eating pumpkin. 🙂