Tag Archives: history

Space ‘Firsts:’ New Horizons, Chang’e-4

It’s been a month for space exploration ‘firsts,’ and a ‘farthest.’ Ultima Thule became the most distant object visited by a probe on January 1, with the New Horizons flyby. A few days later, China’s Chang’e-4 mission landed in the … Continue reading

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Epiphany: Still Shining

While writing about Epiphany, I meandered past Gothic cathedrals, kings and chancellors, and some of what’s happened over the last two millennia. The magi, too: the first of many from all nations who recognized and welcomed the good news our … Continue reading

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Peace: Optional

We’ll be hearing Luke 2:1–14 during the Christmas Mass During the Night. The first half leads with A-list VIPs. The second starts with folks at the other end of society’s ladder. I’ll be talking about VIPs, shepherds and status. Also … Continue reading

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InSight on Mars: Now What?

Another robotic lander is on Mars. InSight landed last Monday, November 26, 2018. Folks at NASA and JPL are happy about that. The lander has taken a few pictures and started sending back weather reports. The mission’s main ‘science’ work … Continue reading

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Where Have All the People Gone?

The average woman is having fewer kids today than her counterpart 50 years ago. Birth rates in about half the world’s nations are below replacement levels. I don’t think humanity is doomed, partly because folks in the other half are … Continue reading

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