Q2,M31, lead me guide me

Comet Machholz, officially named c/2004 Q2, is not expected to produce the sort of spectacular display put on by comet Hale-Bopp in 1997 or the periodically stunning Halley's comet. Last night I saw this comet and it was not spectacular but then the reason, I was told by my astronomer friend, was that the sun was directly behind the earth and the light that this comet was reflecting back had the comet's tail behind it. A couple of days ago I posted a picture of M31. It was 220 light years away. Seeing it in the sky was a way to see something, the light, that had happened 220 million years ago. That same little spot that was M31 had within it over a trillion stars.

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Some things are just true. The light that left 220 million years ago can be seen today and there is no question as to whether or not it is light and it is reflected by M31 and that it came to us over millions of years. Seems refreshing to find something that people don't just line up to dispute.

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I suppose folks, if indeed a lot of folks read this blog, would line up to

protest the idea that I might think and believe this song is just as much a truth

as the light from M31.

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I am a child of God,

And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.
I am a child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words

Before it grows too late.
I am a child of God,

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will

I'll live with him once more.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.