Science

William Shatner never saw Earth the same after going to space — he's not alone

In a new book, Shatner described a profound mindset shift — one that many others have also experienced.

by Jennifer Walter
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
William Shatner portrays Captain James T. Kirk, captain of the starship Enterprise on the TV series ...
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Spending time in space takes a toll on the body.

And for many space travelers, it can alter the mind as well — or rather, one’s perspective.

Many astronauts and space travelers experience a phenomenon called the overview effect.

Coined in 1987 by writer and philosopher Frank White, the idea encompasses a change in perspective when people fly to space and see Earth as a small part of a whole.

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