Two interesting events have recently captured attention: the planned space voyage of Spanish mountaineer Jesús Calleja and a moderate earthquake in Seville, Spain.
Jesús Calleja: Reaching for the Stars?
Jesús Calleja, a well-known Spanish mountaineer, is set to embark on a journey that could take him beyond Earth's atmosphere. The ambitious goal? To surpass the 100-kilometer altitude mark, the generally accepted boundary of space. If Calleja achieves this feat, he would join a very exclusive club of Spanish astronauts.
However, there's a wrinkle in the story. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently changed its policy regarding commercial astronaut wings. They no longer automatically award these wings for flights exceeding 100 kilometers. This raises the question: even if Calleja successfully reaches space, will he be officially recognized as a commercial astronaut by the FAA?
The FAA's decision adds a layer of complexity to Calleja's adventure. While the personal achievement of reaching space remains significant, the lack of official recognition might dampen the celebratory mood. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and whether Calleja's journey will inspire a re-evaluation of the FAA's criteria.
Earth Shakes in Seville
Meanwhile, back on Earth, the province of Seville experienced a different kind of excitement: an earthquake. The seismic event, measuring a magnitude of 4.1, shook the region, with its epicenter located in Cazalla de la Sierra. The earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
While a magnitude of 4.1 is considered moderate, it's certainly enough to be felt by residents and potentially cause minor damage. Fortunately, there have been no reports of major injuries or widespread destruction. Earthquakes serve as a reminder of the powerful forces at play beneath our feet.
Both Jesús Calleja's space endeavor and the Seville earthquake highlight the diverse range of events that shape our world, from ambitious human exploration to the raw power of nature.
