It was interesting listening to the lecture on music and aesthetic experience. I find that, as a trained musician, it is hard to go to a concert and appreciate the music for what it is. I am continually analyzing the intonation, interpretation, vowel shapes, blend, diction, and countless other technical inconsistencies (or triumphs). It's very hard to just sit back, listen, and enjoy myself. It's possible, but I have to force myself to turn off my "music brain."
This assignment could not have come at a better time. I spent a great deal of time last night (May 16th) looking at Jupiter and Saturn through my friend's new telescope. As I read about aesthetic experiences, this really seemed to match the description.
First, there was no real practical purpose for me looking up at the planets last night. It's just something we decided to do, and the weather last night was spectacular. The skies were crystal clear, and the evening was cool and crisp.
This was the first time I had seen the planets through a really powerful telescope. Obviously I've seen pictures in textbooks and on the internet, but this was a very unique and powerful experience. I was truly amazed and in awe of what I was seeing. Here, in the driveway of a friend, I was looking at celestial bodies millions of miles away. One the one hand, I was amazed at how clear the telescope was, and how much we could see from down here. On the other hand, I was speechless at the beauty of the planets and how incredible the entire experience was.
During and after the planet gazing, I found myself thinking about what the first astronomers that used telescopes must have thought when they looked up and saw these celestial bodies in the darkness of the sky above them. Thinking even farther back, the prehistoric and ancient people thought that, because of their unusual movement compared to other stars, they must have something to do with the gods. It's amazing how far we have come.
During my observation of Jupiter and Saturn, my focus was entirely on looking as closely as I could to see the features of the planets. I was not distracted by anyone or anything while I looked through the viewfinder. The aspects of the aesthetic experience described in the text on pages 74-75 explain a lot of what I experienced. I experienced pleasure, significant feelings, intellectual appreciation, focus of attention, and an appreciation for life and the experience.
For someone like me, looking at the planets through a telescope was a very unique and profound experience. I would equate it to viewing a beautiful work of art. As a matter of fact, I consider the stars and planets to be part of nature's art (in addition to all of the magnificent features of Earth). I am not interested in the scientific study of the solar system. I much prefer to appreciate it for the complex, beautiful, and amazing part of life that it is. It is similar to art or music lovers that visit museums or attend concerts simply for the aesthetic experience.
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