In the Shadow of the Moon

 

Nearly six years ago I listed a few of my favourite things; the first of which was Early Spaceflight - which was absolutely true at the time, and I think still remains correct. But it is interesting how over six years, my relationship with the moon and space can shift.

As you are probably aware, in the last few weeks the mainstream media has been (in part) obsessed with the Artemis II moon orbit mission. And it's understandable why; a bit of broadly good/positive stuff, rather than the horrors that are seemingly everywhere else in a noticeably agitated world. I do not begrudge them - and indeed yourselves, if you have found joy in it - that escape.

One of the more prominent youtubers I follow - Hank Green - has been exceptionally effusive about the trip; and eloquently - almost lyrically so.

And so it felt important that I reflected on the fact that it hasn't really touched me, in any meaningful way.

I have read things from folks that it has touched; and all the markers are there (in comparison to my interest in Early Spaceflight) - a seemingly partisan approach to spacefaring, in the mould of the apollo missions [obviously with a North American bias - but, in part at least; by dint of the funding/minds at work]; so it's interesting why it hasn't grabbed me.

I think it would be easy to pinpoint some likely reasons:

• The aforementioned horrors seemingly everywhere around the globe
• The dissonance between the narrative that NASA is attempting to weave - spacefaring with a hopeful fantasy on top - versus the brash dumbfounded bullying coming from the current US administration
• Even my own Year Of The Dan focus that means I have no vested interest beyond myself and my nearest and dearest at the moment

But I still find it sad that such a notable world event hasn't captured me in any way this time. The ghost of London 2012 still haunts me as the last significant & positive event I felt a meaningful connection with; without my own personal link to such an event.

And I wonder more if this is a few things:

1. A transition away from 'big' events that feel unifying and meaningful, even though I am merely involved as a spectator
   
   
2. A reminder that the monocultures we once knew, are soon gone (I think for correct and more-accurately-reflecting-reality reasons); it feels unlikely that traditional society will offer up a communal 'woah' moment these days; or - if it did - the noise of those opposed or indifferent to it in other quarters of society - will just muffle the proponents of the moment
   
   
3. A shift in my own sensibilities. A loss of the original flavour of wonder that captured me with the first moon landing. Hopefully not a loss of wonder entirely - I do still endeavour to seek that out; and I do find wonder in other parts of my life still - but definitely a loss of innocence that is perhaps required, to be taken in by a movement or feeling

Making no actual realistic parallels in terms of social struggles; I do wonder if I am now experiencing what some commentators in the late sixties felt that led to 'Whitey on the Moon' - a poem that highlights 'yes the moon; but also yes the social and economic struggles - particularly racial in nature - at the time'. I get that going back to the moon is exciting; and onwards to Mars - but it does beg the question why we can't get our shit in order back on Earth, before attempting to step further.

Something I was understandably ignorant of when I was first learning about Apollo 11 etc.; but like the sense the wider, more marginalised, populace had at the time; I am now acutely aware there are a great deal of mounting problems in the world; and I don't think putting foot on the moon in the near future resolves much of those issues.

In fact it is frustrating that the Iran war has done more to advance people to adapting sustainable renewable energies, than any other driver in recent memory.

And I don't think traditional narratives are holding up over all this.

Whilst I don't expect a miracle/hero resolution to the most significant of the issues in the world right now; I think many folk are still stuck in that mindset. And understandably - it's a simple thing to understand - whereas the complex reality to working through the biggest of problems in the world, is much less simple.

But a heroic crew that will eventually step foot on the moon, against the technical odds - that feels very appealing.

And I'm not denying the appeal of the simpler answers; but this is - sidebar - a good explainer as to why - for example - the incoming round of Avengers movies feel incredibly feeble in their scope/impact - much like how a potential soon moon landing might be portrayed out in the media.

-

For now, this seems a downier on things I used to enjoy. And that may well hold true - but it also serves to motivate me. To find more that suits and amazes me nowadays.

The Year of the Dan is a vehicle for me to explore that; so is (on a smaller scale - but still impactful) my recent plea for fresh music - and I hope that I can find new things to be in awe of.