That was my first thought too!

The Gaia is about 1.5 million km from earth, so it didn’t actually take this picture. It pointed out from our position, imaging and mapping stars, which scientists were able to render into this “reconstruction.” This is what we think the galaxy looks like from a great distance! I hope that helps!

I actually did not know! This was well after my Nickelodeon days and pre-kids so I missed this era.

I don’t know if I’d go so far as to put her on par with Lucille Ball, but Ariana did a fantastic job in Wicked! I was pleasantly surprised by her acting!

I remember learning the one-letter abbreviations (also in 2001!) and some of the shortcuts, like Qtamine and tWyptophan! I don’t recall Dayhoff or others who contributed to the naming system ever being credited though. This is great!

My kids just have to drink from this fountain every time! Much love for the Exploratorium!