Explanation: How could a galaxy become shaped like a ring? Even more strange: how could two? The rim of the blue galaxy pictured on the right shows an immense ring-like structure 30,000 light years in diameter composed of newly formed, extremely bright, massive stars. This blue galaxy is part of the interacting galaxy system known as Arp 147, and shows a ring because it has recently collided with the other galaxy in the frame, the red galaxy on the left. Unusually, even this red galaxy shows a ring like band, although it is seen nearly edge-on. When galaxies collide, they pass through each other -- their individual stars rarely come into contact. Clouds of interstellar gas and dust become condensed, causing a wave of star formation to move out from the impact point like a ripple across the surface of a pond. The above image was taken last week by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to demonstrate the ability of its Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 after some recent technical difficulties.

There are some times in life when our lives seem eclipsed by a shadow too enormous to comprehend until we realize that some kid has hung a small steel marble in our line of sight. This is not to be taken lightly as the event itself may seem harmless but the timing of such an event (like in the midst of rush hour traffic) can produce devastating effects.   Timing and small events; like being quiet enough to hear the voice of the Morning Star in the midst of constructed din can make life miserable. For the last few months I have felt like I have been sitting in an eclipse of my life and one with death like proportions.   I claim to be a Christian and going around day after day of your life acting as though you were under the influence of your personal hurricane is not attractive to others. All it seems to have taken to get out of harms way was to stop long enough to let the storm track on its way leaving you to look up into the bright beautiful Sun of Life shining down into your eyes once again.   I must say I have been shocked at how hard some people work to keep you in synch with the storm so that can get their fields plowed by the noose they have strung around your neck as you wheel in circles trying to avoid the blasts of the storm.   Yes, the Sun of Life came back out the other day and there seems to be clear sailing ahead.  Not sure what the course may be but Wisdom dictates that no body will be left behind if you follow the Morning Star.