Neowise Flew By

From the nebulous frontiers of the solar system’s Oort Cloud, a chunk of ice and rock, orphaned by an interstellar collision, streamed on a trajectory that looped the sun every seven millennia. This waif slept on its journey with very little to observe as it soared from the outer reaches of the Solar System far beyond the known planets.

Neowise, or Neo as she was known to her fellow comets was somewhat unresponsive and distant. A real stone face, icy and cold she kept to herself, not a showboat like Hailey. Finally, she awoke as the planets started to come into view. Neo had always been fond of the Sun, the star she was closest to.

Although celestial objects were all very far apart, the synchronicity of the Solar System always amazed her, each object following its path pulling and tugging, interfering and bending the orbit of its fellow celestial neighbors. From a removed perspective outside the solar system it all looked very peaceful, but for those aware of the invisible maelstrom it was exhausting.

It had been a long time since her last visit to see the family and she was both excited and somewhat ambivalent about the visit. For the most part, past interferences, eruptions and explosions were forgotten, like a Thanksgiving dinner gone bad but forgotten.

As she passed each planet, greetings were exchanged and given her net force there was no time for in depth conversation and therefore arguments were easily avoidable. Neo noticed many changes to the surface of the Sun’s third offspring Earth, as she passed by.

Neo stared at the Sun now a carmine colored ball of fire, as it grew exponentially in her view and she began to melt her cold exterior in his presence. Her diurnal trek would last a few earth weeks, but after all she had slept for 6800 years!

Ah, here was old Sol now and Neowise greeted him warmly.

“Hello Sun, how are you, it has been a long time,”

“Yes, indeed it has, lots of changes,” said the Sun.

“I cannot believe how your children have changed over the millennia,” Neo replied.

“I know, I know,” chuckled the Sun.

“Especially your third one. Earth, I believe you named her?”

“Oh yes, Earth,” the sun mused. “One of the middle children, always an overachiever, ambitious, flighty and imprudent, always looking for attention you know. They all have their ways, each original and unique. It can be quite a brood to look after!”.

The Sun was very stolid and conservative, not appreciative of rapid change.

“I don’t remember those Pyramids the last time I was here, and various monuments, buildings and cultures all over the planet,” mentioned Neo.

“Oh yes that’s all new,” said the Sun.

“And such an infestation of humans everywhere, they have really taken over,” exclaimed Neo.

The sun agreed. “Yes, they are very invasive as they spread. They tend to dominate all other species and they lack a developed sense of empathy for other life forms.They even kill their own kind!”

“Weren’t they hunter gatherers the last time I passed by? And now they are farming?” observed Neo.

“True,” stated the sun. “That started in the Nile Valley. At first, I thought it was just a fad, but it has really spread. They are doing it all over the planet now.”

“Well, it is good to see you again. I’ll be here for a few weeks if you would like to chat again. Otherwise I’ll see you again in seven millennia or so. Take care!”

Neowise completed her loop around the Sun and started to head towards Mercury again, perspiring and sputtering as her icy chips melted into a bright long blue and white tail trailing behind her like the train of an evening gown. Neowise wondered what new surprises the humans would have for her on her next visit in 8820 C.E.

Jim

July 2020