Forty years ago, NASA sent out Voyagers 1 and 2 to study the Solar System. In 2012, Voyager 1 reached interstellar space — the first human-made anything to do so. Both voyagers were carrying the Golden Record — this amazing phonograph made in the span of five months to represent Earth to any extraterrestrial beings that might intercept them as they travel space.
Yesterday, I went a panel discussion at CalTech with Ann Druyan, Reggie Watts, Lynda Obst, David Pescovitz and Ed Stone. They talked about the content on the Golden Record and some of the stories behind particular inclusions. They sent pictures, music, names, sounds, “hello” in many languages and some whale language as well. Ann and Lynda (who I don’t believe was on the committee choosing these works for the Golden Record) were particularly fantastic at expressing how much this responsibility and privilege affected them.
Just the idea of trying to encapsulate humanity strikes my mind with wonder. How would I choose those 115 images (storage capabilities in the 1970s were nothing like they are today)? The enormity of it must have made them quiet with awe.
Even further than that, I imagine these aliens finding our technological remnant one day, and I want to know how they would interpret us. Would they like us? Would they think we’re primitive? Would they want to come to Earth (if at all possible)?
Most of all, it makes me want to write sci-fi, so I can craft an experience that encompasses the adventure and hope and wonder that space exploration might hold. Lately, I’ve been mostly writing fantasy novels, but I might want to crack my knuckles and try something new.
Just stare at the sky, imagine and write.
I’m so invigorated.