When I started working with NASA in 1989 as part of a mission to send spacecraft to Pluto, I knew it would take at least 10-15 years to see results of my efforts.
Alan SternRead
We're going to find Marses and maybe Earths out in the solar system's attic of the Oort Cloud and the Kuiper Belt.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses optimism about discovering new celestial bodies, including potentially habitable planets, in the outer regions of our solar system.
In this quote, Alan Stern highlights the exciting possibilities of space exploration, specifically focusing on the Oort Cloud and the Kuiper Belt, which are regions in our solar system rich with icy bodies and potential planets. He suggests that these distant areas could hold significant discoveries, including Mars-like and Earth-like worlds, which could expand our understanding of the cosmos and the potential for life beyond our planet.
Themes
MarsEarthSolar SystemOort CloudKuiper BeltSpace Exploration
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on space exploration, one could say this quote to inspire students about the possibilities of discovering new planets.
More from Alan Stern
All quotes βThe first mission to Mars did not expect to find craters and river valleys, and yet they did. The first mission to Jupiter didn't expect to find ocean worlds and volcano worlds, but they did.
Alan SternRead
I can't imagine how many kids around the world will look at pictures of Pluto and think, 'I want to grow up to be a scientist.'
Alan SternRead
If two billion people wanted to watch a robot fly by Pluto, imagine what it will be like when the first humans step on Mars. It'll be the most unifying event anybody could ever put on.
Alan SternRead
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