Solving the world's problems before dawn

In the previous post, I told you that we got in the car at 3:45 a.m. yesterday to drive to Atlantic Beach NC. One Way slept for the first two hours of the trip, which gave me a lot of time to think.

Conclusion #1:
I'm a fan of The Universe on Discovery Channel, and yesterday morning boasted a very bright moon. This got me to thinking about the moon I saw the previous night: large and full against the horizon. The moon I saw in the morning was very bright and close to the horizon as well.

The Universe said in a program that the reason why the moon looks so large at moonrise is because we can understand its size in relation to a stationary object (i.e. tree line). And that once it is fully risen, it looks much smaller because it is alone in the sky.

But I have a different theory (of course!).

At sunset Thursday night and pre-sunrise Friday morning, the moon was at the same heighth in different ends of the horizon. But at sunset, the moon appeared very large and you could see the "dark oceans" in the face. And pre-sunrise, the moon was like a shining beacon.

My theory: since both phases of the moon were contrasted against a treeline, I conclude that the apparent size of the moon is determined by the brightness of the moon (which is dependent on if sunlight is present in the sky to dim it or not).

Take that Discovery Channel!

Conclusion #2:
I don't know about you, but I get pissed when people don't turn off their high beams before passing the other direction. It really irks me ...

So, I got to thinking. Why would this be so irksome especially since I'm travelling a four lane highway with a big median in the middle?

At 4 a.m. there are few drivers on the road and it feels very lonely. Human psychology in general does not like to feel "alone." So, to feel alone AND ignored is even worse.

Turning down your high beams lets me know that you see me. You acknowledge me. And at 4 a.m., that's all it takes to make me feel happy as One Way happily dozes in the back seat :)

One Way's conclusion:
After several hours of travelling, I told One Way of my theories. He replied that he had a thought.

"Earth is really vulnerable," he said.

I asked how and he replied: "We are just really alone in the universe."

I replied that it is testiment to how unique life is and it is proof of the existance of God. But, I also said, I'm sure there is other life out there.

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Ah the magic of a really long car trip through the lonely night up Highway 17.