We often think of outer space as the stuff of science fiction—the realm of distant galaxies, remote planets, and undiscovered extraterrestrial life. But, in reality, space looks much more like how we live on Earth. Humans have already left their mark in various ways—there’s a growing legal system, satellites that enable GPS, and pieces of junk that could collide with our planet at any moment. In this new digital series, In Other Worlds: A Space Exploration, The Walrus orbits the idea that the stars are closer to home than we think.
Space Is Not a Frontier
We’ve barely addressed the legacies of colonialism and racism on Earth. Must we now export these things to the stars?
The Wild, Wild West of Space Law
A handful of rich men are fielding their own private cosmic missions. Who will make sure they behave?
The Fault, Dear Reader, Is Not in Our Stars
Mental health care is pricey and inaccessible. Online astrology is rising to take its place
Space Junk Is a Bigger Extraterrestrial Threat than Little Green Men
And it’s a menace to spacecraft, satellites, and even our modern way of life
Discovering the Universe Through the World’s Largest Telescope
The ALMA array is our most powerful tool for witnessing the birth of new planets
Teaching Indigenous Star Stories
Educators like Wilfred Buck know that astronomy did not, in fact, start with Aristotle and end with Neil DeGrasse Tyson
What Astronauts Can Teach Us about Mental Health and Isolation
We’re learning what members of space missions have known for decades: it’s hard to live in a confined space for long periods of time
Can the New Space Race Save Small Towns?
The promise of a spaceport could give a boost to a struggling Nova Scotia community
Credits:
Producers: Tajja Isen, Angela Misri, and Natalie Vineberg
Editors: Hamutal Dotan, Viviane Fairbank, Tajja Isen, Samia Madwar, and Daniel Viola
Art Director: Natalie Vineberg
Copy Editor: Jonah Brunet
Head of Research: Erin Sylvester
Fact Checkers: Allison Baker, Justin Dallaire, Sydney Hamilton, Tina Knezevic, Sebastian Leck, and Sophie Weiler
