Science: Heavens Streaked with Sun

On a sentry tower above the historic Pa (native Maori fortress) near Auckland, New Zealand, a single Maori warrior stood waiting. When the government car rounded a bend in the road, he called the traditional chant of welcome and challenge. A tall, bronzed man stepped from the car and picked up the ax that the sentry tossed toward him. At this gesture (the time-honored sign to show that a visit is peaceful) hundreds of Maoris in native costume sang their ancient haka, song of welcome.

To the Maoris, the visitor was Te Rangi Hiroa (The-Heavens-Streaked-with-the-Sun). The outside world knows him as...

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