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June 1999
Second Wind
Lomita, California
Dear Friends:
This morning I was awake early, as usual,
and I was thrilled to watch the moonset
of the second blue moon of this year. This highly unusual occurrence
set me to thinking.
Although the needs to reprogram ourselves
when we get off track were cited in my May message, the universe
has been exquisitely programmed by the Almighty. Thus, planets,
satellites, suns, stars, solar systems, and galaxies are intimately
and delicately balanced, which has tickled the imagination of
astronomers, mathematicians, and philosophers since the beginnings
of recorded time.
A recent trip to the Smithsonian Institute
to see a replica of the Hubble telescope, reminded me that man's
ingenuity and evolving technology gives us an improved ability
to perceive our universe.
When will two blue moons occur again
in the same year? I believe the projection is the year 2018. Why
so long? It's a matter of mathematics
and design.
Both ancients and moderns have fantasized
about extraterrestrial life. Today, we have emerging technological
capabilities that allow us to further explore not only our own
moon, but other planets and beyond. When will we cease our quest
for information about our universe? It will take all of the remaining
blue moons!
I will be in
touch next month.
Your friend,
Thomas Petty, MD
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