Exploring space

THE ISSUE

Don't let weak economy sidetrack space exploration.

In these tough economic times, it's important that we not sacrifice our curiosities for short-term financial savings.

Human curiosity drives progress in many areas of our lives. This is especially true for space exploration and all the ways it has improved life on Earth.

Perhaps the most fascinating space frontier involves the search for other Earth-like planets. AP reports that European astronomers have found 32 new planets outside our solar system, adding evidence to the theory that the universe has many places where life could develop.

"I'm pretty confident that there are Earth-like planets everywhere," said astronomer Stephane Udry, of the University of Geneve.

Many people criticized NASA recently for firing a missile at the moon and studying the impact for signs of ice.

That criticism is understandable during economic hardship. It's tempting to say we can't afford space exploration when we have so many needs on this planet.

But some needs on this planet are being met through the technological advances associated with space travel.

Did you know, for example, that NASA stargazing techniques are protecting the vision of thousands of children? Scientists at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville worked with research eye specialists and industry partners to adapt space optics technology into an eye screening test. The result is a technique called photorefraction, which identifies vision problems.

Our quest to learn what's out there often helps us better understand what's right here.