The Overview Effect is an experience many astronauts have reported during spaceflight while looking at the Earth from orbit or from the lunar surface.

It is a transformative cognitive shift in awareness. One goes from experiencing the Earth as a series of places separated by distance to a tiny fragile ball of life suspended in space.

From space, national boundaries vanish, environmental problems are more visible, and the conflicts that divide people become less important when considered from a cosmic perspective.

To date, this firsthand sight of Earth from space has changed the lives and mindsets of a select few. Yet it is difficult to describe, like seeing your firstborn or falling in love.

Using virtual reality we will be able to experience this feeling while living on earth.

More about the Overview Effect:

http://pandawhale.com/post/68934/the-overview-effect-alters-how-those-who-leave-the-planet-think-about-it-when-they-return