My son wants to be part of the team that colonises Mars. It’s a one-way-trip. A group of incredible earthlings are being considered to be future martians so we have at least one other planet that can support life.
Thankfully he’s only 13 and too young to be considered because I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to him yet. Although there are some times when I think I’d like to see the back of him.
For now he’s going to have to settle for using his telescope pointed to the night sky and wonder what it would be like to be out there.
Still, I want to encourage his curiosity because he is, after all, part of the generation that is going to begin exploring space in earnest.
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I have been watching this the last two nights and will tune in eagerly tonight (6 April), as it has renewed my interest in astronomy and all things space. Brian Cox is incredibly knowledgeable, in a Carl Sagan kind of way, and Julia is just so great to watch. The other experts are so passionate about the subject and, unlike some of the science teachers I had in high school, are incredibly interesting and even funny to listen to. I really wish it was a bit longer than just an hour, but it is really fabulous family viewing! Also the follow up half hour on ABC 2 (Back to Earth) is a great caveat to the show, giving a little be more insight. Good on you ABC TV!!! Let's hope it becomes a more regular thing. We need more reality TV like this!
There are some great stargazing apps for you phones/tablets etc... Try Night Sky Lite for android. It is motion activated and as you point your phone at different parts of the sky it highlights and gives you the names of the constellations, planets and the like.
Even works during the day :)