Mars, the Cosmos, and Beyond!

For those of us in the US, Mother’s Day is coming up on May 8th, which is just around the corner. My mom (along with my late father) always encouraged me in my interest in space (although I think she might have wondered a little about how intent I was on it). In return, I always mention how much they did support me (and all of us kids). This year, I’m going to find something really unique to send her — it’s been a rough time for her since my dad died.

What about you? If your mom’s still around, what can you get for her? If you’re a space fan, why not a unique gift that reflects your interest that will also intrigue her at the same time? I’ve heard of people taking their moms to see space-related movies, or visiting the science center or local planetarium. One friend of mine planned a very unique science-themed menu for her special day. They ended the day stargazing from a dark-sky site, and he said his Mom couldn’t stop talking about what a great time they had!

My friends over at  Uwingu.com have a special Mother’s Day campaign going on that will supply you a  great gift for your Mom. Uwingu, in case you haven’t heard of it before, is a group of scientists and researchers that raises money for science education and research. Over the past couple of years the group has endowed a number of projects, benefitting both scientists and students as they seek to do the work of understanding the cosmos. Uwingu does this in a couple of ways:

• they’ll sell you the chance to name a crater for Mom on their exclusive Mars map;
• you can sign Mom up for a daily emailed space image.

The Mars map idea is really cool because you can actually get a certificate showing where her crater is on the map. (I have one for myself, and it pleases me to know that my funds are helping people explore the universe.) The daily email service is really great and the gift that keeps on giving. Not only does she get a great image every day, but the folks at Uwingu explain what the image is and where it was taken. It’s like a little science update, right in her email box.

Today through Mother’s Day on May 8th, Uwingu is offering decorative Mother’s Day certificates for anyone choosing to honor a mom with a named crater on our Mars map. Two certificate options are available: an electronic downloadable version and a beautifully printed and framed keepsake version. Uwingu’s Mars Map will be carried to Mars aboard both the first Mars One robotic lander and also on the Time Capsule to Mars Project. Orders for framed certificates must be made by May 2nd to ensure arrival by Mother’s Day.

Shop the Cosmos

I’ve got a whole bunch of other gift ideas available through an astronomy, science, and science-fiction themed gift shop I set up on Amazon.com. It’s called Shop the Cosmos, and you can find books, some astronomy equipment, apparel, music, and jewelry there. In particular, I’ve added a science fiction section because SF is also part of what got me interested in astronomy and space exploration back when I was a kid. I’ll be adding cool products as I find them, so keep checking back! And, I’m happy to take recommendations!

Lovin’ Mom Doesn’t Have to Cost Money

As always, the best gifts don’t always have be things you buy, particularly if your budget is a bit tight.  Spend time with Mom…give her call, drop her an email, send her a text, or whatever you can do to let her know you’re thinking of her. For that, you don’t even need to wait until Mother’s Day.

Hi Mom!!