Editorial: Every reason to aim for the stars

A glorious reminder of the wonder of space

Since time immemorial, the human race has been held in thrall by the stars.

They have captured our imaginations, guided our travels and marked the passage of the seasons and the centuries.

They have also inspired us to ever more stupendous feats of enquiry and experiment – and with what unimaginable marvels have our efforts been repaid. The blasé need only consider the exhibition of space photography to open at London’s National Maritime Museum next month for a reminder not only of the vast wonder of space but also of the soaring scientific achievement that has brought it even remotely within our ken.

If there were any question, then, as to the wisdom of spending public money on such optional extras as sending Major Tim Peake to the International Space Station, so inspirational a display must surely dispel them.