Born June 22, 1955
Ned “Nebula” Narathy
Retired scientific activist who transitioned to an asexual identity after the loss of his partner almost 20 years ago
A gifted astrophotographer and painter who captures stunning images of the cosmos
A blogger and hopeful podcaster who has developed a following for his writing on peace, and on space and galaxies
Lives with chronic pain
Offers wisdom and insights from his experiences in gay rights activism, scientific activism, and space research.
The unlikely best friend of Astrid, the now-adult child of his dead life partner
sages
About
star-gazer
For much of his adult life, Ned was a staunch proponent of scientific activism. He pushed for research into space and the search for intelligent life, as well as the exploration of consciousness as tied to the cosmos. His unconventional lines of research, however, led to his rejection by the academic community in his 50s. This event marked a turning point in his life and steered him toward a more reclusive path.
In his retirement, Ned has settled into a quiet life on his five-acre property, where he has his own planetarium. He occasionally invites students and fellow enthusiasts to share his passion for astronomy and scientific exploration. This reclusive existence allows him to delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, nurturing his lifelong fascination with space and consciousness.
History
Queer rights activist
In his youth, Ned was deeply involved in gay rights activism, working tirelessly for equal rights and acceptance within society. He was a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community during a time when these struggles were often met with resistance. His dedication to the cause reflects his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
LOVE & LOSS
Ned found love at midlife with Ron, Astrid’s father, a closeted married man. They had several years together during which Astrid lived with them, but he lost Ron to cancer and has lived with an asexual identity for almost two decades since.
Ned and Astrid are unlikely best friends. He took her in after she suffered trauma during addiction, and helped her regain control in her life. He collaborates on her music performance visuals and built her a cottage and barn on his property
Adoptive Houses
Chonks
Saved Souls
Washouts
Recognition
PAST HOUSES
Gloria
1975-1983
EUNOMIA
1998-2005
dulcis
2011-2017
CURRENT STATE
LIFE IS GOOD
Ned’s wisdom and unique experiences make him a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration. His deep-rooted commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and his pioneering spirit in the fields of space and consciousness research have left an indelible mark on his life’s journey.
Ned feels he has failed to make an important dent in any of the areas to which he has devoted his life, and lives with a sense of regret that he did not build stronger relationships. He has never gotten over the death of his life partner after only a few years of happiness together.
Ned questions identity, the point and approach of activism, interconnectedness through generations, and the ways we shift and stay the same over a lifetime.
Nominated by
ROSES
House of sages
Ned has strong connections to the liminality, and when he gathers his strength and stamina, he could potentially change the entire game on Earth. But he loses steam, gets discouraged, and generally falls into lazy and self-serving patterns that limit his experiences and simultanteously bore and exaspirate his protectors. This is his last chance to prove his worth or lose his life.