It's a big thing.
The years of delay and rescheduling kept making my brain jump to it being unreal, but all of a sudden it hit me: May 25th is just weeks away.
The outrageous success of the two rovers also added up to making it seem like the landing would be so easy these days.. but then it smacked my brain from the other side: this is a powered landing, not a balloon bounce.
Mars is still the angry planet for landings, more losses than hits.
Whew. Wow. I feel for the folks on the mission. If it's just popping up as 'real' and 'real scary' for me, it must be a hell ride for them.
Best wishes to all involved. If I were religious I'd be praying for you and the craft. Matter of fact, since this is so important I'll even do a few to add to the petition.
May 25th 2008. Phoenix.