I Wonder....
I was just thinking if the average "Joe Public" has any idea of the significance of what happened on this day, 40 years ago. Apart from a few soundbites that they may hear on the TV, I wonder if anyone today really knows what happened or even gives a damn. For most, it'll be just another day. What they probably only have a very passing thought on is that today, one of the greatest events in all of history (so far) occurred on that bright, roundish ball of rock they see floating in the sky most nights and days. Funny thing, most people don't even look up, these days. Most people are too blaise about it. Or even care to do so.
What I've found is that for most, looking through a telescope is nothing more than a sideshow attraction. Sure, it grabs their attention for a brief moment, but see most of them at a later stage and they've completely forgotten about the experience. Unless you prompt them about it, it escapes them. I've only ever found less than 5% of anyone will retain an interest in astronomy. I suppose that's good (and it is, at least it's something), but it just goes to show how insular people really are.
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