A ‘Sobering Realization’ from Space
Astronaut Ron Garan, who spent 178 days in space and orbited Earth 2,842 times, shared a powerful realization after witnessing our planet from space. Reflecting on his experiences, Garan revealed his belief that humanity is “living a lie.” His insight, he says, is more profound than any flat Earth theory.
The Overview Effect
In an interview with Big Think, Garan described the “overview effect,” a shift in perspective many astronauts experience after seeing Earth from above. This effect often stirs strong emotions, sometimes leading to spiritual awakenings or deepened connections to Earth. As Garan looked out the window, he witnessed vivid lightning flashes, curtains of auroras, and the astonishing thinness of Earth’s atmosphere. In that moment, he had a “sobering realization” that this paper-thin layer sustains all life.
