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Wandering Star Adventure Journal

by Derek Reid

     Introduction

 

     In ancient times, they were called “wandering stars”, brilliant points of light visible to the naked eye that captured the attention of earthbound observers, all while tracing strange looping paths across the sky. They were given special names – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – and special consideration. They were different from all the other stars; brighter and more colorful, they moved in unexplainable ways and had great influence over human affairs.

     The fascination with them is thousands of years old.

     Today, we know them as the planets of our solar system. Along with Uranus and Neptune, they are part of an exclusive group of beautiful worlds (which includes planet Earth, of course) that share a common origin and an unbreakable bond to our sweltering Sun. From prehistoric riverbeds on Mars to the massive storms of Jupiter and beyond, our cosmic neighborhood is home to countless natural wonders, distant but connected to us all on a personal level.

     Now, thanks to that very human trait of creativity, the wandering stars are closer than ever before.

     A milestone achievement in rocket engineering, years in the making, has led to the invention of a new offworld vehicle for astronomy, the Lightship NOVA, with an engine powered by tiny bundles of energy that move through space at the speed of light. At this speed, the farthest corners of our solar system can be reached in just over seven hours!

     The best news of all? The maiden voyage of the NOVA is leaving Earth soon, and the Commander needs an adventure-loving Mission Specialist to join the crew and change the world!

     Will it be you?

     If you think you’re ready to carry humanity’s hopes and dreams on your shoulders, YOU ARE! If you believe you have what it takes to venture deeper into space than any human has ever gone before, YOU DO! Unlock your inner poet as you observe the distant planets up close, stand on their cratered surfaces and gaze upon their sparkling moons. Then tell everyone on Earth how it feels to see forever! Trace your own unique path through our solar system on your way to becoming the ultimate wandering star!

     The road ahead is long – it’s at least 9 billion miles (14.5 billion kilometers) from Earth to the outer edge of the Kuiper belt and back – but even the longest journeys begin with a single step.

     Enjoy your adventure!

     And may the stars be ever in your favor, brave one.

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