David Johannson presents:
Presented by David Johanssen: "Pale Blue Dot: Carl Sagan"
The earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and triumph, they can become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on this scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner. How frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatred. Our posturing, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in this universe are challenged by this point of pale light.
National boundaries are not evident when we view the earth from space. Fanatic ethnic or religious or national identifications are little difficult to support when we see our planet as a fragile blue crescent fading to become an inconspicuous point of light against the vast citadel of the stars.
The Science, Technology and Nature get-together,
This Wednesday
October 12th @ 11:00am to 1:00pm Community room,
Puente Viejo on Calzada de la Aurora #52
Puente Viejo is a gated community, but the guard typically lets you walk or drive through. If not, sign in.
Any problem, have them call David McClintock - 415-112-5202 or Doug Wind 415-109-4627
SMA SciTechNature is also on Facebook
Links to news of last week:
Massive Galaxy Made of Dark Matter Puzzles Astrophysicists | Quanta Magazine
History's Mysteries Documentary - Neil deGrasse Tyson - YouTube
Curiosity Rover Snaps Amazing Selfie on Mars Mountain (Photo)
Best,
Stephen Goodfellow