We Rock Hard, but Mars Rocks Harder
By Melissa Friedman
In the year 2000, NASA chose Cornell University to be a part of the rover mission to Mars. In January 2004, these clear and vivid pictures of the Mars landscape were sent to Earth. Amazingly, the rover sent over 70,000 images so the ones on display at Cornell are just a taste of them.
My spirit and anticipation were high as I made my way into the Johnson Art Museum. I walked down two flights of stairs, took a right turn and there it was...Mars, staring back at me. There’s a huge photograph of what looks like smashed pieces of machinery scattered all over this strange looking land. It’s called “Empty Nest”. The rovers that brought up the panoramic camera system were called “Spirit” and “Opportunity.” The caption beside this beautiful photograph says that it is showing “the rover’s now-empty lander” on Mars’ surface.
I backed up a bit and found myself looking at the very artistic display of small square photographs. Some are in black and white and others are in extremely bright color. The contrast is very appealing and makes this particular arrangement really stand out. Two of these are images of a rock that has been named “Stone Mountain.” One is bright purple and blue, which is to show the varied composition of the rock more clearly.
I’d taken pictures, I’d used the supplied magnifying lens to get a closer look at Mars’ surface, and I’d marveled at the many fascinating photographs. I felt fulfilled. As I’m packing up my camera, I heard the guards whispering and giggling. I look up to see them pointing at a man in a suit and bow tie who was in one of the pictures I’d just taken. This man looks very familiar, and as he talks to his friend I swore I recognized his voice. I walk a bit closer and realized that he was none other than Bill Nye the Science Guy. I wanted to ask him so many questions: What do you think about this exhibition? Which photograph is your favorite of them?
But all my shaky hands and rapid heartbeat allowed me to do is walk over to him and say, “Hi…Bill Nye? Can I take a picture with you?”
So, I suggest you go check out the awesome exhibition of Mars photography because it is free and will be open until May 8th. And who knows, maybe Bill Nye with be there again.