The Aerie

This Is Who We Lost

On Friday, the day before the space shuttle Columbia was to land in
Florida, mission specialist Laurel Clark sent an e-mail to friends and
family describing the awe-inspiring views of Earth from orbit. Here is
the full text of her message (thanks to John Light):
HELLO FROM ABOVE our magnificent planet Earth. The perspective is truly
awe-inspiring. This is a terrific mission and we are very busy doing science
round the clock. Just getting a moment to type e-mail is precious so this
will be short, and distributed to many who I know and love.
I have seen some incredible sights: lightning spreading over the Pacific,
the Aurora Australis lighting up the entire visible horizon with the
cityglow of Australia below, the crescent moon setting over the limb of the
Earth, the vast plains of Africa and the dunes on Cape Horn, rivers breaking
through tall mountain passes, the scars of humanity, the continuous line of
life extending from North America, through Central America and into South
America, a crescent moon setting over the limb of our blue planet. Mount
Fuji looks life a small bump from up here, but it does stand out as a very
distinct landmark
Magically, the very first day we flew over Lake Michigan and I saw Wind
Point (Wis.) clearly. Havent been so lucky since. Every orbit we go over a
slightly different part of the Earth. Of course, much of the time Im
working back in Spacehab and dont see any of it. Whenever I do get to look
out, it is glorious. Even the stars have a special brightness.
I have seen my friend Orion several times. Taking photos of the earth is a
real challenge, but a steep learning curve. I think I have finally gotten
some beautiful shots the last 2 days. Keeping my fingers crossed that
theyre in sharp focus.
My near vision has gotten a little worse up here so you may have seen
pics/video of me wearing glasses. I feel blessed to be here representing our
country and carrying out the research of scientists around the world. All of
the experiments have accomplished most of their goals despite the inevitable
hiccups that occur when such a complicated undertaking is undertaken. Some
experiments have even done extra science. A few are finished and one is just
getting started today.
The food is great and I am feeling very comfortable in this new, totally
different environment. It still takes a while to eat as gravity doesnt help
pull food down your esophagus. It is also a constant challenge to stay
adequately hydrated. Since our body fluids are shifted toward our heads our
sense of thirst is almost nonexistent.
Thanks to many of you who have supported me and my adventures throughout the
years. This was definitely one to beat all. I hope you could feel the
positive energy that beamed to the whole planet as we glided over our shared
planet.
Love to all, Laurel

[1]Last