They Were Flying for Us!

Where were you 25 years ago today?

I was in the cafeteria at my college - a technical school. We were all watching the Space Shuttle Challenger launch. Something like that is a big deal at a tech school. The computer folks (like me) were discussing the programming involved. The electronic students were marvelling at the circuitry needed to make something like that happen.

Then the unthinkable happened. In an instant. 11:38 EST. It all ended. We were stunned. And confused. Most of us (guys included) cried. Time stood still. After watching the TV in silence for another hour or so, we all left school for the day.

That 40 minute drive home was a lonely one. How on earth could the Space Shuttle have just blown up? It was scary. First, it was a tragedy for all involved. Second, just minutes before the launch, we were all talking about what we could have added to the space program - how we could be involved in something that spectacular after we graduated. The enormity of what we were studying hit home with all of us. For the first time, we realized that we were embarking on careers that could result in fantastic victories - or catastrophic endings.

So, where were you? What were you doing?

Think of those astronauts today. After all, they were flying for us.

UP IN THE AIR

Hey, gang, the Space Shuttle is up again and there are lots of good opportunities to see the Shuttle and the International Space Station between now and September 10. NASA's viewing schedule is updated. Viewing schedule.

Let me know if you see it. You can bet that I'll be out looking!

Zipping Along

The International Space Station and the Shuttle, that is. Have you seen it? It's highly visible from now until Wednesday.

Here's a link to the NASA site that will let you choose your state and city so you can see when and where to look: ISS/Shuttle tracking.

It really moves across the sky. It's a bright white ball of light. You'll know it when you see it because it moves faster than anything you've seen crossing the sky. Go out and take a peek! You'll be glad you did.