$1,000 a Plate

"$1,000 a Plate" by Jack McKenty is a science fiction story that takes place on Mars, where the astronomers at the Mars Observatory are constantly bothered by the yearly Marsy Gras fireworks, which interfere with their sky observations. The story focuses on the battle between science and entertainment, and how one's actions can have unexpected results. Dr. Morton and his team struggle with ruining their important photographic plates by the celebratory skyrocket trails. Dr. Morton comes up with a plan to persuade the casino owners to stop the fireworks by giving them horoscopes of future gambling wins, but things get complicated when it is discovered that they don't have scientific backing. The scientists, in a surprising turn, make their own fireworks, leading to comical accidents and even the destruction of a casino owner's house. Ironically, this event helps Dr. Morton's research goals and makes the local gambler become more well known, resulting in a funny commentary on the connection between science and fun.