Voyager and Star Trek the Next Generation

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the launch of Voyager I, to explore the outer planets.  Voyager I is still active, and still reporting back to NASA with its data.  In fact, NASA had run a contest for the best under 60-character message to send to Voyager, and the message was read by Captain Kirk....I mean, actor William Shatner.

"We offer friendship across the stars..  You are not alone." was the message.

So, what does this have to do with a children's garden at the Discovery Center in Binghamton, New York?

We are raising a generation of children who, if they survive their parents trying to destroy our planet, may well be the generation who makes contact with non-Earth life.

And how would they have learned?

Maybe through a garden that teaches friendship...

Or to welcome others into your life?

Children who have learned to measure themselves?

...while they stop and take a seat?

They would have learned to stop and sniff the flowers.

And admire the hydrangeas.

I've blogged several times about the ending of our space program - at least, as we know it. 

But maybe, just maybe, our children and grandchildren will be the ones who walk on other planets, exploring distant planets and solar systems.  That is, if we, their parents and grandparents, allow themselves to grow up by not blowing up the world.

I have to be optimistic, though, that we will make it and have a next generation of Voyager, and, maybe, one day, a real Star Trek.