Whenever the topic comes up, it always seems strange that going more than just a handful of mi/km down is an incredibly difficult task.
Because it makes me realize-- or remember-- that the most life-hostile & technology-defying environments aren't in far off geographic locations or far out in space, they're a constant presence just under my feet. A shorter distance from me right now than I travel in my daily commute.
That as space enthusiasts (rightfully) speculate or plan the future above our heads, there are incredible things going on beneath our feet at forces and temperatures that also produce very exotic materials and even the prospect of untapped clean energy just a short distance away from every single place in the planet. (Assuming that drilling down for geothermal power isn't horrible for the environment?)
Just another example of how very little in the natural world is truly mundane and there are incredible things everywhere.
Because it makes me realize-- or remember-- that the most life-hostile & technology-defying environments aren't in far off geographic locations or far out in space, they're a constant presence just under my feet. A shorter distance from me right now than I travel in my daily commute.
That as space enthusiasts (rightfully) speculate or plan the future above our heads, there are incredible things going on beneath our feet at forces and temperatures that also produce very exotic materials and even the prospect of untapped clean energy just a short distance away from every single place in the planet. (Assuming that drilling down for geothermal power isn't horrible for the environment?)
Just another example of how very little in the natural world is truly mundane and there are incredible things everywhere.