On Feb. 14, 1990, the Voyager 1 probe passed Neptune’s orbit on its journey out of the solar system. Dr. Carl Sagan convinced NASA to use Voyager's high-resolution camera to capture a picture of Earth from the edge of our solar system.

Although it did not become as famous as “Earthrise over the Moon” from the Apollo 8 mission, the “Pale Blue Dot” (as the image became known) left a deep impression on me.

The image shows a cerulean blue dot surrounded by the emptiness of space. Worldly concerns faded into insignificance for me as I pondered the miracle of our tiny planet in the vastness of the universe.

I hope we can all realize that the Pale Blue Dot is our only home — The Earth is all we have. We have a responsibility to protect the environment and live in harmony with ourselves and our fellow creatures.

What can we do to fulfill our responsibility to our planet? Think globally and act locally. Small, positive actions made by many can make a big difference. Whether it’s having your voice heard on environmental issues, making your neighborhood a safe haven for wildlife and pollinators, or performing a random act of kindness, your actions will make a positive difference.

I urge everyone to protect our Pale Blue Dot for ourselves and future generations.

Let us follow the words of Saint Augustine: “Pray, as if everything depended on God / Work, as if everything depended on you.”

Jeffrey Calta, Fairview Township