Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better programs, and the universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the universe is winning.
Rich Cook
The following user(s) said Thank You: michael_murphy, Fermidox, Until_then-Goodnight!
Following on from Paul's notification about tonight's Martian landing, I set-up my scope in my driveway to observe the Red Planet.
While Mars was in the eyepiece the live pictures from the JPL were being streamed through my phone.
It was an incredible feeling to watch Mars, and know what was unfolding right in front of me. As Perseverance eneterd the Martian atmosphere my wife joined me, and, within minutes we were thrilled to hear that the rover and its helicopter had touchdown safely. Then to see the first pictures arrive back to earth was incredible. Hopefully, we'll get some more pictures from Ingenuity over the coming days.
So, thank you Paul for the reminder. It was a great experience tonight, and it was a moment my wife and I will never forget.
Clear skies to all,
Darren.
The following user(s) said Thank You: michael_murphy, flt158
What an excellent idea that was, Darren!
Observing Mars at the same time as the Perseverance was landing on Mars must have been a real privilege for you and your beloved wife.
I remember some years ago Deirdre Kelleghan had learnt that NASA was encouraging people from all over the world to wave at Saturn as the Cassini spacecraft was about to fall into Saturn's atmosphere.
Some members of the IAS were frantically waving at the ringed planet from the Martello Tower near Sandymount at the precise time.
What great memories we all have had in recent years!
Clear skies from Aubrey.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Until_then-Goodnight!
Thanks a million Aubrey. It was very much a spur of the moment type of thing. I turned out to a great session. And within minutes of it landing safely the sky was covered in cloud - what luck, hey?
That Saturn event sounds like it was great craic. I've never met Deirdre, but I love her sketches, and paintings.
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