Perspective:

Max—a rescued Siberian Husky—enjoyed 'runs and walks' at a nearby airfield. Evenings, his focus was on the deer, armadillos, and other critters that have found safe refuge there. Similarly, the variety of stars, planets, satellites, and aircraft overhead captivated his sidekick.

When a full Moon rose at the horizon, you could almost feel the motion of our horizon with respect to the Moon; that's 1,448 kph or 900 mph at our latitude. The ever-dipping horizon left the Moon behind. Max was likely unaware that as we rode Earth, he and I zipped along beneath the Moon faster than the planes that flew over our heads. He may not have experienced the tinge of vertigo if he stared at the horizon as it left the Moon further and further behind. Even faster, we zipped along at 107,226 kph or 66,627 mph around the Sun. Faster yet, we zipped along with our solar system at 720,986 kph or 448,000 mph about the galaxy. "Our pace is pretty good for a rest period, ole buddy," was a hint for Max.

Max kept his gaze, one paw slightly lifted, wondering if he could spot the scent in front of him somewhere in the field ahead. And I wondered, could we spot the scent of what's in front of us, somewhere in space ahead...or could something in space detect the scent of life on Earth. The scents are there. We have always had what it takes to explore other worlds. Adaptive intelligence. Time. Raw Materials. Persistence. Patience. We have always aimed for the stars. We have always known where we're going.

In loving memory of Max. Best pal ever.

Earth and Space—Down to Earth Rocket Science