The Ultimate Journey

Although black holes have been studied for decades, all the images you’ve ever seen of them have been computer simulations or artist’s conceptions, until now.

On April 10, 2019, astronomers unveiled the first photo of a black hole, which is 6.5 billion times more massive than our sun. It is located in the center of the galaxy M87, 55 million light-years from Earth. The image shows a bright ring caused by superheated gas falling into the hole as the light bends in the intense gravity around the hole.

To obtain the image, astronomers used the Event Horizon Telescope, an idea that first Prof Falcke suggested, that links eight ground based telescopes around the globe to form an Earth-sized virtual telescope. Its Earth-sized scale gives it sensitivity and resolution that’s truly unparalleled. 

Black holes have raised complex questions about the nature of space and time and therefore "their existence is making astronomers ecstatic, as they were able to see the unseeable and the one-way portal to eternity", Dr. Doeleman, a lead scientist said.  This is a remarkable accomplishment of the human species thus the term Homo Sapiens is well deserved.

It is my hope that future generations continue channeling their energies and intelligence in projects like this for the good of all species on our planet and out of respect for the cosmos.

We are in awe by the progress in science illustrated here and seen in many other scientific endeavors. When I posted this, I learned about the passing of George Paulson, a highly respected physician and renowned researcher, historian and devoted family man. A man of good will who was always helpful to his patients and fellow men. We all share his dream that progress in the sciences and medicine will reduce the suffering from disease. We also hope that the advances in science will be accompanied by progress in our society to provide for the ill and disadvantaged. I consider this as Dr. Paulson’s legacy.

Final leg

The final leg took us from Glyfada first south to Cape Sounion and then north to Porto Rafti and Vravron.     

The three of the four friends who crew Vol de Nuit that has since been renamed Okyrhoe prepare for the final leg at Glyfada's marina.

At the helm near Cape Sounion with the southern tip of Macronisos Island seen in the distance.

Cape Sounion (Ακρον Σουνιον in Ancient Greek or Capo Colonne in Venetian) is the southernmost promontory of the Attica Peninsula.  On top of the cliff sits the magnificent 5^th century BC temple dedicated to Poseidon, the God of the Sea. It was at this cliff Aegeus waited for his son’s Theseus return from Crete.  The islet of Patroclos is noted nearby.

With my brother, Okyrhoe’s skipper, whose sailing and nautical expertise, made our passage from Spain to Greece safe and provided to us all with memories of a lifetime. In the distance we see the south end of Macronesos island that means Long island in Greek.  A large three-masted sailboat is heading towards us.

We are entering Porto Rafti bay that served as an important port in ancient times connecting Athens with the Aegean islands and the Ionian cities in Asia Minor.

We left the little islet Rafti and the promontory Chamolia to our starboard with the island of Euboea barely noticeable in the distance.

The little bay to the north of Porto Rafti is Vravron (Greek: Βραβρων).  Vravron is the place where the fleets of the Greeks gathered and departed from on their way to Troy.  It was also the place where the sacrifice of Iphigenia took place.

We finally reached our beloved Porto Rafti which is easily seen from afar because of the little triangular island in its entrance.  This charming bay provided and still does a safe harbor to weary sailors from all over the world during their passages to and from the Aegean islands.   Well dear friends after twenty three chapters and a year since the completion of our trip this post represent the conclusion of its description.  As you can guess there are more facets and impressions from such as trip which I may write about in the months to come.  In closing, I  wish express my heartfelt thanks to all for following us in our journey and wish you good health and a most enjoyble summer.