So the kids here actually get their Christmas presents on January 6th, the day the three kings supposedly visited the baby Jesus.
In Oaxaca, many children write their christmas wishes on a piece of paper, then go down to the Zocalo and buy a helium balloon. They then tie the list to the balloon and let it go, carrying their request up to heaven (or to the three kings, santa or whoever is supposed to receive it; I'm not clear on the exact mythology).
So tonight I set up my telescope just before sundown to look at the moon. I was amused and surprised when the first balloon drifted across the face of the moon. Over the course of the evening, I spotted at least ten more balloons passing near or in front of the moon. One of them I spotted well after sunset. On several, I could spot the note hanging from the balloon (but not well enough to read it.)
I hope the kids' wishes come true, but I wonder where all those balloons end up.
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