....several channels.
Satellites have gradually transformed our everyday lives, although most are unaware of it. Space probes improve our general view of the Universe and our Solar System in particular. Space exploration slowly but surely changes our ideas on such fundamental frames of reference as space and time.
Our changing concept of space is more obvious. Apollo astronauts, having already gazed at the big blue marble over the lunar horizon, gave us a new view of our planet Earth. It shone in the sky among other celestial bodies; but, still was exceptionally large with visible details on its surface. Astronauts staying on the surface of Mars will see it differently: as one of the bright “stars” wandering among the well-known constellations. This view will certainly make a big impression. It will modify our general idea of space, celestial bodies, sky, and also the real role of our Earth in the Universe.
The changing concept of time is not so evident. We are accustomed since birth to the fact that everything around us is changing with a diurnal, monthly and annual rhythm. From time immemorial, mankind has measured the course of time by days (based on the rotation time of the Earth), months (the orbital period of our Moon) and years (the orbital period of Earth). This tradition has an enormous influence on our everyday life celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, feasts of state or religion, etc...
This all will change completely with space exploration, when astronauts will leave the neighborhood of the Earth. Neither the rotation of the Earth nor its orbital period will have any significance for astronauts living on the surface of Mars. They might measure days, months, and years by a clock; but, these units of time will be meaningless. Even today, the concept of a “day” is rather artificial for astronauts orbiting the Earth in a space station. They are living quite independent of the rotation of the Earth, although, for practical reasons, “Houston time” or “Moscow time” is kept onboard.
I am convinced that this kind of change in spatial and temporal reference frames will have the deepest of impacts upon mankind.
Prof.
Ivan
Almar
Astronomer
Konkoly Observatory of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Professional Category:
Physical Sciences
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