muggle of the month
claudia alexander
While the wizarding world seeks to send its first witch to space, in mid-November the US muggle Claudia Alexander has landed a muggle invention onto a comet: the Phileae lander. Comets play an important part in the wizarding sciences for their influence on divination and astrology, and for muggles they represent once in a lifetime observation opportunities.
This endeavor is monumental since it’s the first time that humanity (wizards and muggles alike) have landed anything on a comet. The Philae lander will be able to take samples of the comet and send back analyses of its composure.
Why is this comet landing important to the wizarding community? Potions and spells have long used materials naturally found here on Earth. Should we reach to the stars, what other magical elements may we discover? What properties might comets have that develop new potions? What could the soil of Mars produce in terms of wand core enhancement?
Since Claudia Alexander is not a witch, but a muggle her interest in the science of comets and other extraterrestrial bodies is for the general advancement of the knowledge of the human race. Among her inspirations are Carl Sagan and Johannes Kepler, notable scientists, and also the former American muggle President Kennedy when he said, ‘We will go into space, not because it is easy, but because it is hard.’
Specifically, she speaks to the importance of all people going into the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields: ‘Science and math are fascinating and fundamental. In the annals of history the athletes and musicians fade, but the ones who make fundamental improvements in humankind's way of life, and in their understanding of the Universe, live on in their discoveries.’
Alexander is not only a scientist, but a lover of the written word as well. While she originally planned on being a journalist, the stars drew her into the sciences. However, she didn't abandon writing: she's a self-published author of children’s science books and steampunk literature.
If you’re a young witch debating between muggle sciences and magical practices, or how to integrate muggle science into your magical practices, we encourage you to pursue your dreams and represent witches around the world in advancing the state of human knowledge in the STEM fields! Or should you be interested in helping your young witch start learning about science and engineering from a young age, send a hoot to Claudia Alexander on Twitter @claudiauthorsci or check out engineering toys this Christmas at www.goldiebox.com. And of course, learn more about the muggle landing of the Philae Lander by a quick google search!
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