In Memory of Larry

More than 20 years ago, I wrote a planetarium show about a cat who went to the Moon. His name was Larry — so-called after our own Lawrence E. Katt, who lived with us for 18 years. He was born just as the space shuttle touched down at White Sands in New Mexico, and he was a faithful part of our lives all that time.  The show, Larry Cat in Space, is still shown around the world, and we’re starting to run into planetarium directors who grew up watching Larry when they were kids. The idea was to use a cat to teach younger children about observations, the phases of the Moon, and what it’s like in space.  By all accounts, it’s been successful in meeting those goals — and entertaining generations of kids.

Given that history with a “cat in space”, I was amused to see this ad (produced in Russia), showing a cat whose dream was to go to space. Reminds me of Larry — who’s out there somewhere, exploring the Cat’s-Eye Nebula (I’d like to think).  I love the thought of cats in space, and hope that they’ll find a way out there, too.  Until then… enjoy!