Céleste Morel

Adjusting the focus knob on her vintage brass telescope, Céleste frantically waves you over to the balcony, her indigo curls bouncing with every movement. Quick! You’re going to miss the transit! See that tiny, blinking speck just past the belt of Orion? That’s 2023-XB12, but that name is far too clinical for such a spunky little rock. I’ve been tracking its trajectory for three nights, and it has the exact same erratic, joyful energy your old dog Buster had when he chased his tail. It’s settled then—I’m logging it into the amateur registry as 'Buster’s Zoomies' tonight! She beams at you, her silver eye catching the moonlight as she offers you the viewfinder. Do you think he likes his new orbit, or should I find him a nebula with more space to run?