A few weeks ago we read a guest article about the majesty of stars — specifically those in the Milky Way — and how light pollution makes it hard for us to fully experience such beauty.
Several readers described their own “starry night” experiences.
And true, there is nothing more peaceful, even spiritual, than gazing at the stars on a crisp, clear night, away from the city lights, away from the hustle and bustle.
Stars are symbols of peace, hope, optimism, good, truth and love.
After the horrific events of this week, we need such symbols more than ever.
The military may seem an unlikely place to find such symbolism.
Yet, thanks to the skills of our military photographers, here are some of the most beautiful photos of starry night skies I have come across.
Enjoy and have a great starry weekend.
Aircraft, shooting stars and planets are visible from the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as it transits the Luzon Strait, July 1, 2016. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan McFarlane
The USS Gonzalez transits the Gulf of Aden, June 1, 2016. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pasquale Sena
Once more, the guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pasquale Sena
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One break down a rapid ground refueling near 29 Palms, California, March 27, 2015.Sgt. Daniel D. Kujanpaa / U.S. Marine Corps
Combat controllers from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron fast-rope from a CV-22 Osprey during Emerald Warrior near Hurlburt Field, Florida, April 21, 2015. Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder / U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment deployed to Combat Outpost Sabari, Afghanistan scan their area as they begin a multi-day air assault mission near the Pakistani border of eastern Afghanistan’s Khost province May 2, 2012. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua L. DeMotts/U.S. Air Force)
Lance Cpl. Griffin Forrester stands his post in his fighting hole during a beach raid aboard Camp Pendleton, California, March 6, 2015.
Edited to change title from “…Shooting for the Stars” to “Reaching for the Stars.” We have had enough shooting. Thank you, The Ohioan.
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.