Letter: In the stars

Saturday 20 December 1997 00:02 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: If the M2-9 butterfly nebula is really 2,100 light years away, and if your splendid photograph (19 December) really shows it 1,200 years ago, congratulations on your scoop: the news won't reach Earth for another 900 years. The office party must have been fun.

RICHARD DAWKINS

Oxford

Charles Arthur writes: The red faces stretch all the way to Nasa, whose official statement on Wednesday said "... the stellar outburst ... occurred just 1,200 years ago". I missed their error. The outburst in fact began 3,000 years ago: the light now reaching us shows its 900th year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Letter: In the stars

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering