In the vast and wondrous space,
Where the atmosphere has no trace,
An astronomer with skill and grace,
Explores the galaxy's complex face.

Light-years away, he sees a glitch,
A collision of two stars, oh which
Will lead to a supernova's pitch,
And bring about a cosmic switch.

The elements that make up all,
Are fragile, precious, and not small,
And in the density of a star's great thrall,
They dance and sing, majestic and tall.

The informative sights that he has seen,
Are beyond what we could've ever dreamt and gleaned,
For black holes, the most mysterious scene,
Hold secrets that will forever preen.

And when a star has reached its end,
It will eject its outer layers, a cosmic bend,
Creating nebulae, where new stars will ascend,
And the cycle of life, in space, will blend.

So come with me, dear child, and see,
The wonders of the universe that will be,
For in space, there's always more to decree,
And the universe's secrets will always be free.

Reflections

1. What is an astronomer and what does he or she study?
2. What are some of the amazing things the astronomer sees while exploring the cosmos?
3. What are black holes, and what secrets might they hold?
4. How are stars created and what happens when they reach the end of their lives?
5. What can we learn from exploring the universe, and why is it important to continue to do so?