![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
The lights dim as I settle into my seat at the uppermost level of the Las Vegas Sphere. Below me, a sea of spectators stretches out, thousands of visitors anticipating the renowned “4D” experience. Chatter dies down as riveting music reverberates through the stadium, and the vast screen before me flickers to life with the title of the show, “Postcard from Earth.” With the entire arena bathed in a white glow, the screen fades into the opening scene: a circular gray spacecraft hurtling toward a distant planet.
Within the spacecraft, two figures come into view: astronauts Byron and Fang, dressed in pristine white spacesuits and oxygen masks. Bodies unmoving, they are strapped to machines with eyes closed shut. As the spacecraft lands on the unfamiliar planet, their harnesses automatically detach, and they both gasp for air. Eyes remaining closed, they listen as a commanding voice narrates their backstory, echoes resonating throughout the venue.
The narrative explains that Bryon and Fang are on a quest to investigate a distant planet, but their memories of home have been erased upon their arrival. When the two astronauts still do not wake, the narrator urges them to recover their recollection of Earth and chants, “On your next breath, remember. Remember Earth.”
As soon as those words are uttered, the entire ceiling suddenly lights up with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Arctic mountains, sparking a collective gasp from the audience. Looking around, I marvel at the bright snow that blankets towering peaks and clouds that shroud the azure sky. The immersive experience is so realistic that for a moment, I find myself transported into the scenery. Instinctively, I reach for my phone to capture the view, hoping to preserve the beauty of the moment.
Just as I snap a picture, I’m whisked away to a different landscape. One moment I’m floating above the Grand Canyon, and the next I’m submerged deep in the ocean, swimming alongside swift stingrays and bioluminescent jellyfish. As ravines and hills sweep past me, I have the sensation that I’m soaring above the ground.
Continuing, the show presents a montage of animals in habitats like rainforests and deserts. From monkeys to spiders, lions to caterpillars, each moment immerses me in the lives of different creatures, unveiling insights into Earth’s rich biodiversity. The Sphere’s remarkable 16k resolution not only introduces me to unfamiliar species but also allows me to perceive the most minute details — from the gleam in a grasshopper’s eyes to the intricate spiky texture of its legs.
The storyline pivots to humanity’s impact on our planet, contrasting with the multitude of life just showcased. It depicts how we morphed Earth to meet our materialistic desires, whether that be through building churches, homes and even spacecrafts to explore new frontiers. And eventually, with newfound desire and innovation, we ventured beyond Earth’s boundaries to other planets.
The film then returns to Byron and Fang’s story. Now with their regained recollections of Earth, they hope to bring life to the barren new planet. Together, they employ technology from their ship that transforms the dry surface of the planet into flourishing greenery with life blooming from every corner.
As claps and cheers thunder from around me, signaling the show’s end, I find myself reflecting on the unforgettable experience inside the Sphere, which opened its doors on Sep. 29, 2023 and welcomed the public to the “Postcard from Earth” show on Oct. 8. In addition to the Sphere’s 18,600 person seating, the screen is the largest high-definition LED screen in the world, making it an unparalleled viewing experience.
Overall, I would give this show and experience a 4.75/5. The jaw-dropping views and the variety of animals and people shown inspired me to open my eyes to the biodiversity around me, and I left with a larger awareness of humanity’s mark on Earth. Despite the slightly overly bright lighting and pricey tickets, “Postcard from Earth” left a lasting impression on me, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Vegas.
