The universe is a pretty amazing place, isn’t it? Every once in awhile, the sky clears above Chicagoland, sweeping away the smog and pesticide haze. Usually it’s the cold weather that does it. This photo would not have been possible if the temperature didn’t plummet that evening. The best part about solar events is that for one evening, everyone forgets about their daily paths and stares up in wonder collectively at all that is, and all that will ever be. There’s something sweet and humbling about that.

Click on the image for a much bigger version.