01101001
2008-Jun-16, 04:20 PM
TwinCities.com (St. Paul Pioneer Press): 170 million miles away, a path of learning and inquiry (http://www.twincities.com/opinion/ci_9585418)
Yet it is the image of Phoenix's picture-perfect descent toward the Martian north pole region that for so many scientists captures the spirit of invention and daring that they hope will reanimate interest the world over in space science and exploration.
The view of Phoenix descending beneath its parachute, the resolution so fine that even the parachute's tethers are visible against the Martian backdrop, "is hands-down my favorite picture of all time," says astronomer Phil Plait, who runs the explanatory "Bad Astronomy" Web site, on a video posted on YouTube.
Even Plait admits that's saying something, given the other magnificent images now widely available of multicolored Martian plains and swirling crescendos of galaxies and supernovas.
"This is what we do," explains Plait on his video. "This is what science does, but this is what people do, when we try."
Good quote. Bartleby.com, you listenin'?
Yet it is the image of Phoenix's picture-perfect descent toward the Martian north pole region that for so many scientists captures the spirit of invention and daring that they hope will reanimate interest the world over in space science and exploration.
The view of Phoenix descending beneath its parachute, the resolution so fine that even the parachute's tethers are visible against the Martian backdrop, "is hands-down my favorite picture of all time," says astronomer Phil Plait, who runs the explanatory "Bad Astronomy" Web site, on a video posted on YouTube.
Even Plait admits that's saying something, given the other magnificent images now widely available of multicolored Martian plains and swirling crescendos of galaxies and supernovas.
"This is what we do," explains Plait on his video. "This is what science does, but this is what people do, when we try."
Good quote. Bartleby.com, you listenin'?