Night:  n. "The time from dusk to dawn when no sunlight is visible."  

Astronomy was a childhood passion of mine, so I have been fascinated by the night for many years now. Besides the secretive beauty of the sky itself, I love how the color, and the temperature, changes.  Different animals (different humans) appear.  Everything is new, and inspiring to me; I know I have written at least ten very bad pieces of poetry in a heightened state of emotion, brought on by the onset of evening.  These days, I prefer to explore with my camera instead of a pencil.

This is the dark time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the days are at their shortest, and there is more night than usual. There might not be as much sunlight, but there is so much other light, and it makes for wonderful photographs.  I hope you enjoy this week's selections, and are moved to get out and explore, yourself!

Ruby Berry will be curating next week and the theme is "Traditions." Share one or two shots that capture a tradition that is meaningful to you -- whether it's a solemn lighting of the tree, the surprise of a snow day, a sacred ritual, or the joyful return of the McRib. Submit your work here .