Out of this World

As we play political football with our planet, others are planning space travel to occupy other planets where humankind will unleash similar destructive forces as they are doing on earth.

The idea of living in other planets has fascinated humans for many centuries and a tour of our solar system shows a diversity of worlds. Life beyond earth is being discussed extensively not only as a means of a potential back-up system in case earth goes to the crapper, but as a means of scientific research to make our life better on earth. The tantalizing prospect of living elsewhere shows human weakness, unsatisfied in protecting what we have and thinking that it would be cool to live in the outer world. NASA continues to look for signs of life within the solar system but so far have come up with no reasonable prospects of any existence of life out there. Conspiracy theorists and moroonistic pundits continue to insist the existence of flying saucers and little beings with head antennas visiting earth but these people probably believe that the earth is flat. So why the preoccupation with space travel and living in other planets? Other than the impatience of humans, space could be used to fight future wars and thus domination of earth.

Another trip is being planned to the moon by NASA, which includes a Canadian astronaut. Much fanfare was made of this but at the end the results achieved, if the trip is successful, will be minimal as society pivots into a world of artificial intelligence, which can mimic any conditions in outer space. The race to the moon and then Mars includes several countries, including China, India and others trying to prove who possesses the biggest phallus and show the world that they too can pass gas.

The colonization of other planets may be important from the point of view that humans may destroy planet earth as we know it. Geopolitical conflicts are happening around the world driven by neurotic leaders unsatisfied with world order and distraught with their personal egotism ignoring those who will never be able to live elsewhere but earth. So the challenge for NASA and other space agencies is finding a place where people can live. A planet must be within a certain distance from its star known as the “habitable zone” in order to have temperatures that allow liquid water to exist. Additionally, it must have a stable atmosphere and a magnetic field to protect against harmful radiation. Let’s look at potential planets you could consider living in:

• Venus – A perpetual inferno – the hottest world in the solar system. That is where sinners go.

• Mars – being explored as a potential site but so far, it is nothing more than a barren landscape. Would you move there?

• Moon – Other than saying “One giant step…” nothing more has happened since then.

• Space Station – If you want to live in a giant metal condom and make love while floating, it’s the place for you.

As Elon Musk and others test bigger and bigger rockets, the world watches in awe about the possibilities. This is a rich man’s game that will never affect the life of the common person and temporary space travel may be a reality one day for many, but they will return to earth to enjoy their yachts and mansions.

As more scientific research progresses on the aspect of interplanetary colonization, living in other planets may be more plausible. The effects of our actions on earth will dictate the progress or regression of these programs. The sexiness of dreaming about other worlds should be tempered by the reality of the times we live in.

Why not solve the issues of poverty and climate instead of wasting billions of dollars on intergalactic adventures that may in the end prove futile? This is not to say that a parallel program of space travel and exploration for the betterment of society shouldn’t happen but let’s not do it just to show who has the biggest member or the most money.

Manuel DaCosta/MS

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