Scientific American
June 23, 2021 • Potentially, observers in plenty of star systems might have detected Earth sometime within the last 5,000 years. More stars will quickly move into positions that may allow them to see our planet. Stay up to date on the most recent science information by signing up for our Essentials publication. They illustrate a reality that has remained constant for a half century—as house capabilities are developed, they often can be used for each army and civilian functions. Uncrewed spacecraft in Earth orbit are an important technology of modern civilization. They permit direct monitoring of weather circumstances, relay long-range communications like television, present a means of precise navigation, and allow remote sensing of the Earth. The latter role serves all kinds of purposes, including tracking soil moisture for agriculture, prediction of water outflow from seasonal snow packs, detection of ailments in vegetation and timber, and surveillance of army actions. Back within ...