I am an astrobiologist, sci-fi geek, and professor of everything groovy. I write about science, culture, math, history, space, and science fiction. Perhaps like you, I'm seeking a greater understanding of the nature of life and asking myself why all of this really matters. Come with me, and we'll ask some questions together.
Leland Melvin is a NASA astronaut and one of those people who loves to give back through education and outreach just as much as living on the edge of exploration and research. In this episode of Space Love Story from The Planetary Society, Melvin shares his "ah ha" moment from when he was in space:
Edgar Mitchell, a navy pilot and Apollo 14 astronaut, passed away this week at the age of 85. Mitchell was the 6th human being to walk on the surface of the Moon, spending more than nine hours in the Fra Mauro Highlands region. Mitchell spent much of his later life claiming that alien visitation was a real thing and that the governments of the world were testing on alien crafts and biology. Although his views became questionable, it's still important to look back on the life of one of the small group of people who have walked on another planetary surface beyond Earth. Also, in this time of remembrance of Mitchell, I think all of us still get a good laugh out of what is likely the most remembered thing he ever said. In considering the view of Earth from space, specifically looking at the world as a whole from the Moon, Edgar made this globally-conscious and humorous suggestion:
