We should be glad the Outer Space Treaty is in effect

Now that the clouds have moved along, here's a better shot of tonight's SW sky. You may be able to see a little bright thing in the upper right. I'm pretty sure the little thing is Mars. It's a tiny bit heavier tonight than it was this morning.

Although certain countries have been known to unilaterally abrogate international treaties in order to get out of obligations or to take advantage, the Outer Space Treaty is still in effect for all countries with the current power to get up there. The Treaty says that "outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means."

Whew