If you squint and look way, way out the back of beyond a couple of zillion miles, there’s a new planet in the neighborhood. Missed that news, didn’t ya?
Sure, the papers can crow about some big federal highway giveaway program, or the latest celebrity romance, but a tenth planet? A scientific discovery that alters our entire view of the universe, or at least our solar system? Snoozerinoo. Bury it in the back under “quirky little science briefs.”
It’s true. Earth has a new cousin. You’d think a planet bigger than Pluto would be hard to miss, but ya know, the solar system is really, really big. Out there in the Kuiper Belt where scientists think the comets come from, even a minor planet can lay low.
So welcome to the system, 2003SUB313, as it’s now called. Rock on. It’s nice to have someplace to land should we ever become castaway past Pluto. In a world where we think we know it all and everything that could be discovered has been, well, wow: don’t get too complacent. The universe is still full of miracles and wonders.
As is our Little Cosmic Hamlet by the Milky Way. From the amazing to the sublime, hey, get out and explore your backyard, all 10 billion miles of it, perhaps by checking out some of these Best Bets:
BEST TOWN IN TRANSITION BET: A developer with a vision. A neighborhood that’s not sure it likes that vision. It could be the plot of some indy film, but hey, this is how Homer works things out. If you want to see small town planning in action, check out the neighborhood meeting from 6-8 p.m. today in the Cowles Council Chambers at Homer City Hall. Developer Tony Neal sponsors the public meeting to discuss his proposed Quiet Creek subdivision up by the high school.
BEST ONE LAST SUMMER FLING: OK, parents, quit grinning. Your children are traumatized enough by the prospect of going back to school. Here’s one last chance for summer fun with Kids Day Across the Bay. From 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, children ages 7 to 12 can head over to the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Peterson Bay Field station for guided beach and forest exploration. The fee is $55; call 235-6667 for reservations. From 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, you can make it a family affair with Locals Day Across the Bay, $35 for Coastal Studies members, or $45 for nonmembers.
BEST MO BETTAH ART: Egads, how did August slip in? Why just the other day we were working on our tans on Bishop’s Beach, and now look. Well, the good news is it’s First Friday, which means, of course, new art at most of Homer’s way cool galleries. Check out the arts page for the who, what, where and when (you’ll have to figure out the why on your own).
BEST BANDS GALORE BET: From local favorites Too Fat to Fly and 3 Legged Mule to nationally recognized band Salem, there’s live music galore all over town. Check out the calendar section for days and times, and put on those dancin’ shoes.
BEST HOMETOWN HEROES BET: Sheesh, those Mariners played a good season last year. If you want to keep supporting the boys and girls of spring, go to the Over-the-Line Softball Tournament at 10 a.m. Saturday at Karen Hornaday Park.
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