The Known Universe

I found this via the Astronomy Picture of the Day website, apod.nasa.gov/apod/

Last Full Moon Before Bombardment

October 4th, 2009

Moonrise, shortly before 7 PM

This will be the last Full Moon before the NASA and U.S. Government (if successful) bombard an impactor into the surface of the Moon. (ref: NASA LCROSS Mission)

I really wish my government wasn't engaged in this destructive scientific experiment.

The Moon is sacred to me. (So are all the planets. Including Earth. But the Earth is already so deeply affected by human activities - a few human-made bombs are just the tip of the ice-berg in terms of environmental destruction here.) I wish that the Moon would be kept clear and protected against this kind of experiment.

It wouldn't bother me as much if I knew that the results of such scientific endeavor - and any economic gains made as a result - would be shared equitably amongst all people. If the products and suggestions gained from such research were to be used to uplift all people, then I would not be so adamantly opposed to sending people into space.

However, in light of the intense poverty here amongst people on Earth, and in light of the growing gap between rich and poor (the gap is just astronomical) - I do not believe that it can be rationally justified to direct resources to projects such as this. No. It's just not right.

What I believe is that until all people are properly sheltered, nourished, educated and given equitable opportunity to participate in meaningful, non-oppressive (supporting, uplifting, life-serving), and sustainable economic systems - then it is wrong to spend money, energy, and other resources on space exploration (not to mention conquest nor dominance.)

Peace.

Cheers.

Berd

Space Rock

Here's an interesting - fascinating - amazing story about a space rock that fell to Earth: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap090328.html

Think of all those rocks whizzing about out there in space.

It makes me feel safe and comfortable being here on Earth, in this phenomenal and protective environment.

Colonizing Other Planets

This is a letter to the editor from The Olympian newspaper. I feel strongly about this issue and agree with the author, that it is wrong to invest so heavily in space exploration, when we are causing harm to this planet that we depend on...

Catch the next rocket to inhabitable planet

A recent headlines read, "Rocket ship blasts into space. It looked like a new star being born."

The purpose of this event was to place a telescope into orbit and that wonderful invention will seek out other planets that could be like our Earth.

The article doesn't list the cost to the taxpayers for this wonderful event, but I can't help but wonder about the thousands of people recently out of a job, people without homes or food, and those who wonder about how to pay for the next meal or medical coverage.

I wonder if they are as confused as I when I note that we don't seem to be able to take care of the world that we have, so why are we (you and I) spending a few million dollars looking for another Earth?

Wait, maybe I know the answer.

This world is in some deep trouble. If another fresh, clean world is found, then all of the people that still have the most bucks can grab a rocket and head on over to the new digs.

Robert Robinson, Olympia

http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/v-print/story/792985.html