When we see the shadow on our images, are we seeing the time 11 minutes ago on Mars? Or are we seeing the time on Mars as observed from Earth now? It's like time travel problems in science fiction. When is now; when was then?

Nye and Begley are neighbors in Los Angeles and sometimes dine together at a local vegetarian restaurant. are engaging in a friendly competition "to see who could have the lowest carbon footprint" according to Begley.

He is best known as the host of the Disney/PBS children's science show Bill Nye the Science Guy (1993–98) and for his many subsequent appearances in popular media as a science educator.