On the 40th anniversary of the famous ‘Blue Marble’ photograph taken of Earth from space, Planetary Collective presents a short film documenting astronauts’ life-changing stories of seeing the Earth from the outside – a perspective-altering experience often described as the Overview Effect.
The Overview Effect, first described by author Frank White in 1987, is an experience that transforms astronauts’ perspective of the planet and mankind’s place upon it. Common features of the experience are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
‘Overview’ is a short film that explores this phenomenon through interviews with five astronauts who have experienced the Overview Effect. The film also features insights from commentators and thinkers on the wider implications and importance of this understanding for society, and our relationship to the environment.
Short of a collision with a moon sized object the planet won’t die, but, if we as a species continue to recklessly alter the dynamic equilibrium and delicate balance of the atmosphere and climate, then we, the human species, will likely be wiped out. The planet will find a new equilibrium without us. Different life will evolve, though it is unlikely to be sentient for many millions of years. Consider this: If we eliminate ourselves from the planet in the next 100 years, what evidence that we ever existed would be found on the planet in a million years?
None. The only evidence of our existence would be found on the Moon. The Astronauts footprints in the dust and the equipment they left behind.
The Dr.
one of the most beautiful documentaries I have ever watched