My World

We’re not going to space any time soon. But we got an idea of how the planet Earth would look like from space.

It was a lovely reminder that we’re all inhabitants on this beautiful planet. And we have a responsibility to keep it safe and beautiful.

You are my world, my everything.

May’s comment: We stopped by at St John the Baptist Church to look at the installation of Gaia. We sat and watched it spin. We were reminded that we’re all inhabitants of this “blue dot” in the Universe.

The artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, is 1.8 million times smaller than the real Earth with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture describing 18km of the Earth’s surface. By standing 211m away from the artwork, the public will be able to see the Earth as it appears from the moon.

Gaia is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. The artwork provides the opportunity to see our planet on this scale, floating in three – dimensions.

The installation creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

Unlike the moon, which we have been gazing at for millennia, the first time humankind got to see the Earth in its entirety as a blue marble floating in space was in 1972 with NASA’s Apollo 17 mission. At this moment, our perception and understanding of our planet changed forever. Hanging in the black emptiness of space the Earth seems isolated, a precious and fragile island of life. From a distance, the Earth is just a pale blue dot.

A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture. And a narration by Sir David Attenborough.

If you have the time, take a moment to sit and not only admire this fabulous installation but to remind yourselves that we are all in this together.

Currently at St John the Baptist Church, Holland Road, London, W14 8AH till 6 August. From the 9 – 14 August you can see it at All Saints’ Church Notting Hill, W11 1JS.