Happy Halloween

This image was particularly difficult to capture. I couldn’t see the spider in natural light; instead, I spotted it under UV light. It was resting on the side of a moss- and lichen-covered rock. It appears to be a type of wolf spider that has sought shelter for the winter, some distance away from the river—likely to avoid potential flooding. A truly beautiful and awe-inspiring spider.

In the sky, one can see, among other things, the bright star Talitha, located on the paws of Ursa Major (the Great Bear). It is a quadruple star system consisting of two binary pairs orbiting one another. The primary star is an A-type subgiant.

Talitha would be a fitting name for the spider.

Down on the ground—somewhere you might not even notice, or perhaps even step on—there is so much beauty to be found. These are lichens and fungi which fluoresce in a variety of lovely colors. They are vital, playing a major role in the ecosystem. Lichens lack roots; instead, they absorb nutrients and substances directly from the air, making them highly sensitive to air pollution.

Up in the sky, the Hunter’s Moon shines with such brilliance and beauty. #moon #macro #lichens #biology #science

Fungi and the night sky