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To: Southside_Chicago_Republican
I liked your description. When I was a kid we had an ancient shortwave radio. I would do as you described. It was exciting to reel in a swishy overseas broadcast, and even better if I had to make an effort to identify the language.

If I hear that rare signal or see that rare bird, I have earned it.

Back when the first info was put out about the Mars 2020 mission, there was this:

Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Landing Press Kit

There's a diagram and description about how Perseverance would need to station at a lookout spot to watch the first flight, including this explanation of the terminology:

Twitcher’s point (star): Perseverance’s parking spot during the Ingenuity flight tests. “Twitcher” is a British (and now Martian) term for those who travel long distances to see a rare bird. Located about 330 feet (100 meters) from the edge of the flight zone, the site should be relatively level. Twitcher’s Point also must allow direct line-of-site between the rover and the helicopter during all portions of potential flight tests for optimal radio communications and imaging.

I've always remembered that, so with every flight, I get to travel to Mars to see a rare bird. (And I still don't have to leave the house!)

89 posted on 03/10/2022 6:55:58 PM PST by Ezekiel ("Come fly with US". Ingenuity -- because the Son of David begins with Mars ♂️.)
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To: Ezekiel

Oh, yeah. The internet and other technology certainly have allowed us to experience things we might not otherwise experience. I remember the first time I saw the internet. A guy a work had it at home. He brought up a tour of the art of the Sistine Chapel. I had seen books on that art, but the internet tour was better. I have never been to the Vatican and there’s a good chance I never will go, but I have had a better experience of it than a book would give. I have been hooked on the many good uses of the internet ever since.

And — when I miss my old hometown of St. Louis and know I won’t be going back anytime soon, I can pull up Earthcam and have a look at the Arch.


90 posted on 03/10/2022 7:33:47 PM PST by Southside_Chicago_Republican (The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog. )
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