Curiosity finds . . . wait for it . . . a ROCK on MARS! NASA reports that the first Martian rock it has examined with the Curiosity's arm-mounted Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) shows curious similarities to a rare form of mineral found on Earth. The rock, named "Jake Matijevic" after a JPL engineer who died just after Curiosity landed on Mars, was lasered 30 times on 14 …
I don't understand what you're saying here? We should cease the exploration of space and just wait for our planet/star to die?
If there is one scientific venture that should always have funding, it's space exploration. Travelling between stars is an incomprehensible challenge and the clock is ticking.
All the sysadmins here wouldn't trust their data to one hard disk. We at the minute are trusting one planet with our species. Granted it has a better retention factor than a hard disk, but tell that to the dinosaurs.
Yes, they are saying that. Top economists have proven that trying to save the planet / star is pointless, and you should simply acquire as much material wealth as you can.
The whole point of existence is simply to be able to piss on those lower than you. Didn't you get that memo?
"Yes, they are saying that. Top economists have proven that trying to save the planet / star is pointless, and you should simply acquire as much material wealth as you can."
Space exploration isn't about saving the star/planet. It's about finding a suitable replacement home and coming up with the technology to get there.
"The whole point of existence is simply to be able to piss on those lower than you."
While I wouldn't say it's the "point," the sad reality in this world is you do have to put yourself first. The "point" as you put it, is the survival and evolution of life - which inevitably means leaving Earth and our solar system.
I just can't help feeling slightly giddy when I see these crystal clear pics of stuff on another world.*
It truly is remarkable, and hopefully not an elaborate hoax like the moon landings.
* - this bit is serious, I'm astounded at the whole concept of literally seeing Mars in high detail.
Yep, it always brings to mind the boast of The Professor from Gahan Wilson's book "Everybody's Favorite Duck"*
""With these eyes, I have seen Mars!"
*Printed in 1988 ISBN 0-89296-295-X Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Everybodys-Favorite-Duck-Gahan-Wilson/dp/0445408413?tag=duckduckgo-d-20
Maybe this rock will becomet the foundation for a new, just and equal society where mankind can live peacefully with his fellow citizens. It might be the end to all religious problems, after all only God could have put that rock there.
Bwahhhh ha ha ha ha
LOL, it's Friday and somebody has to stir up some futile ideas. The real world scenario would probably encompass the bashing of someones head with the aformentioned rock in order to ensure their own personal survival. Rocks are well know for being harder than the average human skull and this one does not appear to be any different.
"Curiosity will now rumble forward another 100 yards to the east..."
Nooooooo! Whazza matter with you people? That should have been "Curiosity will now rumble forward the length of about ten London buses to the east..."
or, following the comments on the recent "units" debate:
"Curiosity will now rumble forward another 90 m to the east..."
I don't understand this post. Are you saying the enrichment of human knowledge is worth less than a politician screwing a country?
At least money is being spent on the most important aspect of human evolution. We are not perfect, nor should we stand still in perceived perfection as the world crumbles around us.
We need missions like this to evolve, to move away from the stagnant corporate swamp we currently live in, to discover and understand the next phase of our existence.
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