stars and nebulae would swing around us in silent, endless arcs

I have read very little of author Arthur C. Clarke (author of over 100 books, best known for 2001: A Space Odyssey and his work with Kubrick on the film), who died today in Sri Lanka. But a friend of mine recommended this short story Clarke wrote, The Star, saying it was amongst the finest pieces of writing he had ever read. I found it beautifully wistful, thought-provoking and chilling at once. I never tire of how a good science fiction writer can construct such an utterly believable alternate universe and reality, and free our minds for just a few minutes from the confines and constructs of this one.

Read: The Star