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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2018 | 23 Happy New Year! We have an active, special 2018 to look forward to at Sun Lakes CC. Your Library Committee will be trying to make the four libraries "retreats from the outside world" that even more Sun Lakers can enjoy. Let's look heavenward this month for events most of us vividly remember. On Jan. 4, 1958, Sputnik I reentered Earth's atmosphere. The United States was shocked that Russia beat us to launch a satellite and the "space race" began. On Jan. 22, 1968 Apollo 5 was launched, still toward the beginning of the Apollo program which spanned 1963 to 1972. Do you recall first seeing the Lunar Module that would carry American astronauts to the moon's surface? This (unmanned) flight comprised initial tests of the module in space. Launched with a Saturn 1B rocket that took the module to orbit whence the nose cone ejected followed by the separation of the Lunar Module. Tests included ascent and descent propulsion systems, simulation of an abort from moon landing, reigniting the ascent rockets then completely burning the fuel. Also monitored were instrument performance and overall spacecraft structure/strength. Of course the high point for many of us: the Apollo 11 flight when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon (Michael Collins stayed in the moon-orbiting Apollo craft). Do you recall the broadcast on the night of July 20, 1969 when the first steps on the moon took place? From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne was published in 1865. Long have humans dreamed about that creamy orb above us. Verne was born in Nantes, France in 1828 but traveled to Paris at 18 to study law (his father being a lawyer). He was a good student however his passion was literature, loving especially Victor Hugo's works. He attended literary salons, making friends with writers and other artists. He wrote numerous plays; some were staged. He achieved his law degree in 1851; his father offered Jules his Nantes law practice but the son's strong instincts told him his future was in writing. He was having success with publishing both travel and scientific articles in family-oriented magazines. He started a novel in 1862, combining his science/travel talents with his interest in the explorers of the day. In 1863 Five Weeks in a Balloon was published. In Earth to Moon which occurs post-Civil War, a group of gun enthusiasts is dedicated to the design of all kinds of weapons. Club president Barbicane has done calculations supporting the construction of a cannon that could send a large projectile, containing three men, to the moon. An enemy declares the project absurd and bets Barbicane that it is impossible. Money is raised and Stone Hill at Tampa, Florida is chosen as the construction site (this is a mere 128 miles from Cape Canaveral where NASA chose to establish the launch site for USA rockets). The projectile is successfully launched and proceeds through space, but the fate of the three travelers is left inconclusive. Snuggle in during the January chills (and wet?) with one or two new books to read! Library Committee

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