There were eleven new species discovered in 2023, and 21 were declared extinct, and NASA discovered six new exoplanets. With all this, the mysteries of the universe still sit at our door. I often question our exploration and the humans that explore. I question our motives, our dreams and what we are really after.
Among the new species of mammals, reptiles, plants and amphibians the most mysterious one is a new species of palm. The Pinanga Subterranea is a remarkable plant that flowers and fruits underground. Scientists have been mistaking the palm for a seedling of other palms in the area. It grows on the forest floor in Borneo and scientists are still questioning how the plant is pollinated. Earth’s mysteries are still being discovered and yet we are also eliminating many of earth’s beautiful species.
Twenty one species were delisted from the endangered species list making them extinct according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife services. These species ranged from birds, mammals, fish and mussels; the largest of the category bring birds mainly from Hawaii. Extreme climate change and deforestation have contributed to this extinction. Although in the 50 years since the Endangered Species Act was put in place 99% of the species on the list have made a recovery. The enigma here is what will we learn about the extinction of these species and the many more that will come with the ever continuing exploration of humans?
As we continue to discover the mysteries of our own planet we also discover the many mysteries of our orbital cousins.With the launch of Juno in 2011, humans have discovered so much about the giant Jupiter and his moons. With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope we peer into galaxies and see the Milky Way like we’ve never seen it before. The mysteries of the galaxy become infinite with new technology and our drive to explore new worlds.
I’m not going to say that I’m not excited about these discoveries, they are amazing and beautiful. But I also grieve over the loss and overuse of our own planet. Exploration in history does not present a positive outlook in my eyes. Through exploration humans are greedy, ruthless and selfish. Human exploration has not been for observation, it has been for exploitation. I cringe at what I think humans can do next when a viable planet is discovered. But this is also a mystery, the future of our planet, our universe and the people who explore.
I hope that the mysteries of our own species exploration agenda learn from the truth of the past mistakes humans have made.
~Candice C Carver
