Space sciences and Arizona economy??

July 5, 10:18 AMPhoenix Internet ExaminerMichelle R Meissner

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 Is there any link between the research of the universe and Arizona's economy? You bet there is

After doing a bit of my own research I was surprised to find that "astronomy, planetary and space sciences research also has a significant impact on the state's economy".

An article by UA University Communications states that "The primary sources of economic impact that were counted include expenditures by individual employees in astronomy, planetary or space science enterprises, operational expenses incurred by observatories and research organizations in Arizona, capital investments and spending by visitors, such as guest scholars or people visiting planetariums, observatories and specialty museums".

So, you may be wondering, just how much money does this space "stuff" bring to Arizona's struggling economy?... Based on the study, "more than a $252 million impact on Arizona's economy in the 2006 fiscal year.

That is amazing! I am often in awe of the grand scheme of the universe and how incredibly small we are in the entire picture. I encourage research and further exploration into our cosmic womb. Not only for the economy of Arizona but for the idea that there has to be more to this entire concept than born to die.