You have probably come across those scales in planetariums that tell you how much you would weigh on other planets.

You have noticed the fat ones lingering on the Mars scale and the emaciated slowing up the line for Neptune.

As a creature of average weight, I fail to see the attraction.

Imagine squatting in the wasteland of Pluto, all five tons of you, or wandering around Mercury wondering what to do next with your ounce.

How much better to step onto the simple bathroom scale, a happy earthling feeling the familiar ropes of gravity,

157 pounds standing soaking wet a respectful distance from the sun.