Stewart Brand - NASA Image of Earth

NASA Image of Earth

In 1966, Brand campaigned to have NASA release the then-rumored satellite image of the entire Earth as seen from space. He distributed buttons for 25 cents each asking, "Why haven't we seen a photograph of the whole Earth yet?" He thought the image of our planet might be a powerful symbol. In 1968 a NASA astronaut took the photo and in 1970 Earth Day began to be celebrated. During a 2003 interview, Brand explained that the image "gave the sense that Earth’s an island, surrounded by a lot of inhospitable space. And it’s so graphic, this little blue, white, green and brown jewel-like icon amongst a quite featureless black vacuum." During this campaign Brand met Richard Buckminster Fuller, who offered to help him in his projects.

Read more about this topic:  Stewart Brand

Famous quotes containing the words nasa, image and/or earth:

    If we did not have such a thing as an airplane today, we would probably create something the size of NASA to make one.
    H. Ross Perot (b. 1930)

    For women ... bras, panties, bathing suits, and other stereotypical gear are visual reminders of a commercial, idealized feminine image that our real and diverse female bodies can’t possibly fit. Without these visual references, each individual woman’s body demands to be accepted on its own terms. We stop being comparatives. We begin to be unique.
    Gloria Steinem (b. 1934)

    O, mickle is the powerful grace that lies
    In plants, herbs, stones, and their true qualities;
    For nought so vile that on the earth doth live
    But to the earth some special good doth give.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)