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If you’ve spent any amount of time following me on social media or reading through my posts, then you are probably already WELL aware that I am a bit of a space geek. I’m not an engineer, nor am I a scientist, but that doesn’t stop me from being completely awed and infinitely inspired by space and exploration.
Science, engineering and technology are the means in which we achieve incredible feats allowing us, as humankind, to share with one another the immense beauty of our world. And it is such a beautiful world, isn’t it?
We gained a new perspective of just how marvelous it truly is the very first time human eyes laid upon our little blue marble traveling in space. With distance, humans become invisible to the eye, and we can appreciate the incredible beauty of our world. The results of our collaborative work leave markings across the globe, changing her surface, if only for a short while during our time upon her.
I was blessed enough to attend a talk given by Astronaut Chris Hadfield last week at AMNH. His newest book, You Are Here, Around the World in 92 Minutes, is one that my daughter and I have loved getting lost in, but it was his talk that left a profound impact upon me. I have so much to say about the vast subjects that he covered- from achieving life long goals, to perceived fear vs. actual danger, to communicating through art- that I will leave that to another day. I do however, want to reflect upon one of the messages he spoke of: the importance of exploration. 
At any given point throughout history, there are always those looking out beyond what is able to be seen and allowing wonder to guide them. They are willing to accept the challenge of newness and risk in order to discover the unknown. It’s incredible isn’t it? They have faced danger, discomfort, and loss of the familiar in order to see what can be. Though not all explorers have willingly signed up for adventure, some forced to do so in order to find food or safety, they did stand up to the challenge and say, there is something more, and I will find it.
My fascination with our space program has been one that has stemmed from great admiration of those who have accepted that challenge as well as those who support them through innovation. It has inspired me, and often fueled me through difficult times. If they are capable of achieving the once unimaginable, then I can surely face the unknowns in my own life, right?
It is why I find it so important to share my passion for space exploration with my daughter. I want her to know in her heart that there is more out there than what is just seen with our own eyes. This lesson is just as valuable as learning reading, arithmetic, and having faith, hope and compassion. In fact, it is a life long lesson that I myself am still learning.
So… how can YOU start weaving inspiration from space into your own life? In addition to Chris Hadfield’s book(s), make sure to follow NASA on whichever social media platform you favor. Here are a few of my favorites, you can also download the NASA app to your tablet or mobile device!
NASA
NASA Social
NASA Goddard
NASA Orion
Also, today marks the opening of the Intrepid Museum‘s new exhibit: Hubble@25. I attended the Members’ Preview last night. I’ll share more thoughts when I am able to take my daughter, but I can tell you that it was well worth getting completely soaked to the bone! (Photos below.)
For 25 years, Hubble has been providing inspiration and a window into the vast unknown, and it is spectacular. In fact, Hubble itself is a story of inspiration; she is a testament to repairing mistakes, adapting to circumstances at hand and she whispers “perseverance” as she lays out a beautiful display of what is beyond our very own eyes. If you are in the NY area, you can find the exhibit under the belly of Space Shuttle Enterprise aboard the USS Intrepid. Astronaut Mike Massimino, who had worked on the last servicing mission for Hubble, helped curate the exhibit and was there last night to share the opening with us. Congratulations to him and the entire team at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum for putting together a fantastic exhibit!
It rained… just a little bit. But it was worth it.
