Charlie Benfanti "Earthrise" Blog Post 5 (April 11, 2026)

 The recent return of NASA’s Artemis mission to the moon has inspired some reflection. In the pictures of Earth taken by the astronauts, every person who has ever lived (sans four) is on that blue marble floating through the abyss– everyone we have ever known or heard of, every event we’ve experienced or learned about. One of the astronauts, looking back at us, referred to Earth as a lifeboat, carrying us through the expanse. It is almost as if you can feel the extent to which your brain can comprehend– or maybe that might just be me… But it is also incredible to consider that four of us, were out there, laying the foundation for continued exploration. The ability to see the stars seems like a call to adventure in and of itself. 

There’s also something beautifully poetic about a trip to visit our moon. This is not something that is needed to make our society function; it is something that is needed to fulfill the inherent curiosity of humanity. A visit to our companion in space. Spinning around with us through it all. 

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