#cosomos

BBQ DOUBLE STACKTICON

HOT ROD: It's a Whopper alright!

DANIEL: No, Hot Rod, look again.

I was 13 years old, I recall, when I read for the first time about a spacecraft that landed on Mars. I did not understand much from what I read, I remember having so many questions; what is a spacecraft, where is Mars, how can something possibly land on that dot I watch from the window at the evening time, and why humans want to go there.

Today I watched Elon Musk’s rocket, Falcon9, conveying two astronauts to the International Space Station, and it took my breath away how far humans went in space invasion and what they intend to go beyond, and it is something that gets me amped up for being on this planet and during this era.

I think of the ancient humans, finding their way around the planet, discovering things for life, even discovering the meaning and significance of life. We have things in common; questions that push us ahead answers.

We are doing the same thing with slight contrasts. Their answers got them where we are, civilized human beings, and our answers are taking us to vanquish other planets and cosmic systems, making us a potential multi-planetary species. And both are making us the greatest creatures we know of in this universe.

It makes me extremely resentful how people belittle the science of astronomy, it has little to do with particular societies but a lot to do with the people themselves, everywhere. They simply do not have a clue how Astronomy influences the world around us today, they do not have a clue about the place Astronomy took in history. And I think it will take some time until they understand that.

And it breaks my heart even more; that another 13-year-old will have inquiries about the universe, and will be met with very little answers that would lead to her going in life forgetting about the questions till an occasion happens that will touch deep in the heart and bring the passion back.

I remember how my mind was blown when I learned why the moon is tailing me, why the sky is blue, and that not every shiny spot in the sky is a star.