As our work on space continues, our knowledge of the secrets of our universe expands. In this context, numerous researches and developments are helping us, especially the new James Webb Telescope, preparations for the Artemis mission, and Mars studies.
But surprisingly, these studies in space can sometimes reveal the secrets of our own minds. Now, as an example of these secrets, we will describe the Overview effect, a situation experienced by astronauts going into space. This situation causes the human mind to change the way it perceives the Earth.
First of all what is the effect of this overview:
This situation, which we would probably not have known if it were not for the astronauts sent into space, is seen in those who have had the opportunity to look back at our planet after going into space. Or, to put it simply, you can experience this situation even when you get on a plane.
When the people in question see the Earth from the outside, the problems created by humanity suddenly become meaningless and they want to protect that ball, the Earth, standing in front of them with a clear mind.
When you look at the map, you see drawn borders, but when you look at the Earth from the outside, none of these are there:
From the Biden and Trump conflicts in America to the problems in our country, from hunger to bloody histories in Africa, almost everything has come from the hand of man, and these are still talked about. Of course, we are not saying that it is a problem to talk about the Overview effect. Rather, for someone who is under this influence, the above-mentioned things become meaningless.
Immigrant problems, economic crises, border conflicts etc. situations are not heard from the outside (from space), the borders we draw are not seen from the outside, if half of the planet’s population suddenly disappears, it will not be noticed from the outside. These are the problems of humanity and mean little to astronauts watching the beautiful Earth from the outside. Seen from there, everything is interconnected and dependent.
When you look at it from the opposite side, what astronauts see does not mean much to those who are interested in these problems on Earth:
According to Frank White, who noticed and coined the term during a normal flight (airplane), it becomes very difficult for astronauts to describe the situation they experience. If you want to visualize it, think of it this way: Even though astronauts who go into space will return, they leave their families, homes and other possessions here for the sake of science. Those who remain on the planet while they are up take care of the problems of this place.
Astronauts looking at the planet from space do not see these people or problems. He sees only the uniquely moving Earth with its harmonious colors. It is the first time he sees space that way, and for the first time he is in that non-gravity environment and feels light. Finally, he realizes for the first time how the flow of time we are used to is valid only on Earth.
Well, let’s say the astronauts were fascinated by looking at Earth from space. What exactly is changing?
Edgar Mitchell, a Nasa astronaut, explains: “You suddenly develop an awareness of Earth, an intense dissatisfaction with its current state, and a desire to do something about it. International politics over the moon looks pretty tiny. You might want to grab a politician by the neck and drag him a quarter of a million miles and say, “Look at this…”.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that those who experience this situation see the Earth as quite innocent and fragile and are ready to devote their lives to its good. Because the most important thing is not that they dedicate their lives to this, but that they have gained the ability to look at the problems that arise because of people from a much broader perspective. Roughly, an American astronaut thinks of the whole world, not his country, when he thinks he will return home.
For better digestibility, we recommend you take a look at Carl Sagan’s pale blue dot talk:
This can also have an impact on large communities:
Humanity’s perception of the Earth does not stand out much as it oscillates between its own problems. But when we experience the overview effect from here, from our planet, it is certain that many people will be more sensitive about our planet. In this context, virtual reality studies are carried out.
Although the Overview effect may seem like a sudden slap to us in this regard, we do not need to wait for it. While our time is limited on our planet, which existed long before us, let’s try to take good care of it.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
