Scientists have now mapped 8000 galaxies trying to figure out where in the world - or more precisely, where in the universe - we are. They want to know where on the celestial map Earth really resides - I guess that's important to know if you're out for a Sunday ride in the universe and you need to turn on your GPS to guide you home.
Finding home is a quest we all undertake at some point in our lives. In terms of our cosmic address, planet earth resides in the Milky Way galaxy, which is part of a cluster of galaxies in a larger formation know as a supercluster. Thanks to the new data, researchers now know the Milky Way is floating on the outer edge of a previously unmapped supercluster they've named Laniakea, the Hawaiian word "immeasurable heaven".
But long before scientists began searching for our place in space, we humans were trying to find our home here on earth, and it's not always a physical location. Back in the first century A.D. the Roman observer, Pliny the Elder, said home is where the heart is. And I think he meant that home is where we feel content, where we feel at peace, where we're happy.
Now, I wasn't born in Vermont, but for more than 30 years I’ve called this Green Mountain state my home. It's the place I always want to come back to, no matter how far away I travel. And I'm not alone.
A recent study confirms that Vermonters are most content being Vermonters. We love our home and it's about more than just the spectacular scenery and clean air. Based on data compiled by Gallop Healthways research, Vermont comes in 6th in the nation in terms of well-being. Our life expectancy – 80 plus years - is the 5th highest in the country and our unemployment average is among the lowest. But it’s our healthy lifestyle and low crime rate that really set our state apart.
Vermont is the safest state in the union, and when it comes to healthy living, Vermonters lead the nation. We eat more healthy foods, especially fresh vegetables and fruit. We exercise more regularly, and most of us report feeling physically healthy.
So while scientists continue their quest to pinpoint earth's exact location in the "immeasurable heaven" of the universe, we Vermonters already know our home address is here in the Green Mountains. And it’s more than just our physical location. It’s where our hearts are.
