#worldspaceweek

In honor of World Space Week

On October 4, 1957: The first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1 was launched and opened the way for space exploration.

On this day, October 10 in 1967: The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies were signed.

Every year, the UN and the physics community come together to celebrate World Space Week. This year’s theme is “Space Unites the World”, celebrating the contribution of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. We’ve uncovered some mind-boggling facts about how humans are relating to space exploration in the 21st century. Which fact do you think is most out of this world?

The discovery of the first exoplanet, 51 Pegasi b, in 1995 has led a more fervent hunt for extraterrestrial life over the last two decades

With the private sector increasingly involved in space exploration, entrepreneurs are spending more time planning autarkic communities beyond the limits of Earth

While scientists are making huge strides in understanding the Universe, cosmological mysteries still remain though experiments are being designed to help solve them

Europe and the USA lead the way in space exploration but Australia has recently presented their ambitious decadal plans to globalize their approach to research

Photo courtesy of Sarah T. Stewart, UC Davis

Space Unites the World By Sarah T. Stewart 

In 1997, I pulled strangers into the street to meet comet Hale-Bopp. Pairs of unfamiliar eyes united on the visitor in the sky. 

For decades, I watched robots launch, orbit, and land. United through silent robot eyes, we were now the visitors. Together, we touched the water-lain rocks on Mars. We begged Mercury to reveal its origin. We paused to greet the heart of Pluto. We voyaged beyond the solar system. 

In 2017, I pitched a tent and broke fast with fleeting companions. From all over the world, we had migrated to the line of totality. United in alignment, we covered our eyes to see the ethereal petals of the sun.

Today, I scroll, glancing at likes. My eyes blur… tribalism, bigotry, refugees, #MeToo… Are we united?

My eyes focus. I hop, roll, and laugh with princely little landers on Ryugu. Who is smiling with me? 

Tonight, with my eyes closed, I will whisper to the dark. Is anyone out there looking for us on Earth? Are we united in a quest to find each other?

“Space Unites the World” is the theme for World Space Week, 4-10 October 2018.

http://www.worldspaceweek.org