Well here we go again..,
For some of us space enthusiasts, this launch of the Artemis II was a historic milestone, the first time humans have returned to the moon’s vicinity in over 50 years. I know I was excited to watch the launch, and also praying everything would go off without a hitch.
However, for some of the internet, a series of technical glitches in the live broadcast had become “proof” of yet another hoax.
The conspiracy began following a live interview with the crew. Viewers noticed strange distortions flickering across the “zero-gravity indicator”, an adorable plush toy created by Lucas Ye, A San Francisco Bay Area second-grader who won a competition for his “moon mascot ”. On social media, the distortions were labeled as a “green screen failures” but In reality, the “glitch” was just a byproduct of modern day broadcasting. To make live feeds more informative, networks use chromakey overlays to digitally layer text and graphics over the footage. When the signal fluctuated, these digital layers momentarily flickered, creating the illusion that the background was being “faked”. Filmed in a Hollywood studio like some believe the 1969 Apollo II mission to the moon was only this trip had the “waving flag” dilemma.
For me? I didn’t notice that at the time, but I just assume “glitches” and pauses in audio are expected given that they are the distance away that they are. Our technology has issues just home in our home let alone in space.
But it is humorous that here we are with a moon expedition again, and once again the conspiracy theorists are ready for it.
In the current climate of this country I personally welcomed the distraction, something most of us could come together for. And it also had a Canadian Astronaut with a Sasquatch on his patch, making it a first for a cryptid in space!
Congratulations to the astronauts of the Artemis II for this historic trip to the dark side of the moon.
Have a great Wednesday everyone..
Photo credit: NASA
Sasysquatchgirl 