[sci.space] Anniversaries

brooks@portia.Stanford.EDU (Michael Brooks) (07/21/89)

The following is forwarded from a friend of mine without net access.
It`s either a set of platitudes or an astute observation, take your
pick.

Arguably the two most significant dates in Human History both occurred
in July.  On the 20th, in 1969, a man walked on the Moon.  On the
16th, in 1946, a bomb was exploded at Trinity in New Mexico.  The first
may someday result in humanity freeing itself from the bonds of Earth.
The second may someday result in the Earth freeing itself from the bonds
of humanity.

Most amazing of all, these dates are only 4 days and 23 years apart.


Mike Brooks/Stanford Electronics Labs (solid state)/SU

eugene@eos.UUCP (Eugene Miya) (07/21/89)

Mike points out dates of the atomic bomb and Apollo.
This is more than just coincidence, but it somewhat political.
In all cases, and also note Viking Lander as well.  There was
some deliberate attempt to shoot (pun not intended) for July 4.
Subject of available technology, etc. of course, but you will
find writings in all these projects which note awareness of these
dates.  Certainly there was no longer term planning for this to take
place, but nearer term, sure.  Note Viking's Bicentennial Logo.
The analogy with fireworks is pretty obvious in all cases.
But then Queen Elizabeth's corination occured about the same time as
the ascent of Mt. Everest.  This is getting away from space.

Another gross generalization from

--eugene miya, NASA Ames Research Center, eugene@aurora.arc.nasa.gov
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