I wrote this post to mark a milestone in Exoplanet Science. There are now over five hundred known exoplanets in our database.
It may not be such a big deal. Five Hundred is not much. Not until one considers the fact that gazillions of planets wander the galaxy. It means that cataloguing worlds is an infinite pursuit. Such task tickles the potential of the whole human race, and the human mind.
We have "Indy 500", and we have "Fortune 500", now why not have "Exoplanet 500"?
Yes, "Five Hundred" is fun to utter. And as I sing it out loud, I reflect upon the accomplishments of the Astronomers whose dedication continue to expand our view of the Cosmos.
Amazing how far we've gone as a curious species.
Now's a good time to pause and appreciate the contributions of the rest of the Scientists, Philosophers, Artists, Thinkers and Dreamers--not only those that are currently in our midst, but especially those who have gone before us. They are the Giants upon whose shoulders we are standing on to get a better view of our wondrous universe, enabling us to glimpse New Worlds.
"For I would walk 500 miles, and i will walk 500 more..."
~ The Proclaimers, I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
Tadalala! Tadalala...tadalalalalalaa...
Links:
Exoplanet Encyclopaedia
