At least my name will get there

I just registered to have my name engraved on a microchip which will land on Elysium Planitia on Mars with the InSight lander, launching from Vandenberg next year.

I remember the night when I was six when Mars was at opposition and my dad pointed it out to me. I still recall the sense of wonder I felt as a stared at that bright red "star" hanging over 24th Place in Chicago that night. Since then I've seen the Red Planet many times through telescopes of various sizes, and as ridiculous as it may be I derive a bit of satisfaction from the fact that my name is going to land on Mars even if I never will.

If you hurry, you can sign up to send your name to Mars, too.  But the November 1 deadline is fast approaching.