A Funny Thing Happened with Pluto
(CBC News/NASA)
While researchers have no direct evidence of the object, they did see strange perturbations in the orbits of objects deep in the Kuiper Belt — the group of icy bodies in Pluto’s part of space — that seem to suggest the existence of a planet one to 10 times more massive than Earth that orbits the sun every 10,000 to 20,000 years.
–Miriam Kramer, “How to name the possible ninth planet in our solar system,” Mashable
This deep-space discovery/observation is an exciting revelation. The universe continues to surprise us in ways that reinvigorate our sense of exploration. Looking up at the stars at night, flickering at distances that seem deceptively close is an experience in itself. To read today that, potentially, a ninth planet in our solar system may be been spotted behind the curtain of space should make anyone’s mind expand to new horizons.
In a cool way, this discovery validates the incredible space journey depicted in the space operatic epic Interstellar from 2014. Without revealing any spoilers, one of the planets they visit (as seen in the trailer) is covered in ice with relentlessly freezing temperatures. And, as mentioned in the quote above, the potential new planet would likely have similar conditions. Not even opening the debate to whether or not astronauts could one day step foot on this planet-like discovery, one of the important first questions to ask is how long would it take to travel through space to Pluto and into its orbit?
The most advanced propulsion systems we have today [2015] require 10 to 15 years to deliver a 1.6-kilogram (3.5 lbs.) spacecraft into Pluto orbit.
–Tim DeBenedictis, “What Would It Take to Send People to Pluto?” Space.com
Whether or not we this mysterious planet-like mirror of Earth is deemed a planet, the fact that this is a scientific debate and that manned missions to Mars and Pluto are being considered with various scenarios and logistics spells an ambitious future for humans.
Or a doomed future for the people of Earth.
Hopefully, Interstellar isn’t entirely accurate in this regard.
Also, Goofy could work as a name for this prospective planet hanging around Pluto.
Why not have a sense of humor about this that’s literally out of this world?
Earth to Vogue, Madonna Isn’t Here
The number 73 is 9 in model years.
Despite a runway delay of 15 years due to the world’s paralyzing excitement from “Magnum” back in 2001, there is great interest into what Derek Zoolander and his new BFMMP (Best Friend Male Model Person) Hansel have been up to. Thankfully, Zoolander No.2 arrives in theaters on February 12th.
Hopefully, no eugoogly’s have been written.
To whet our appetite for the next few weeks, an exclusive interview was uploaded today. Vogue managed to get invited into Derek’s stylish loft and subsequently climb inside Derek’s brain to shine a light from ear-to-ear for the whole world to see. Surprisingly, this interview was arranged without the bribe of an orange mocha frappuccino.
I wonder if Derek Zoolander’s kid can read good…and do other stuff good too?
Find out February 12th!
Happy Monday!
A dream that cannot be interrupted by even the coldest of temperatures…
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is our yearly reminder (though it should be daily) of Dr. King’s seismic call to action to the American people for a better future, including the pursuit of equality favoring character above skin color.
Any writer can attempt to recapture his profound message and legacy, but perhaps it’s best to leave it to the man himself.
Keep dreaming for a better tomorrow.
Brought to You by the Letters F-U-N
Just as we all learned the ABC’s from Sesame Street, our favorite furry animals took some time to learn the ABC’s of…
photobombing!
Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon clearly was the best choice for the job.
This seemed like a surprisingly fun way to go into the weekend. Rediscovering the child within us can be the perfect remedy for those cold, rainy and overcast January days.
Hopefully, your weekend develops into something great!
Jimmy's Daily Planet 