But for Mr. Gilder, such observations just touch the surface.
In fact, forget the footprints – no astronaut boots will touch the surface of Mars.
Then the dancer's feet touch the surface of the stage and "anything" does.
Patients touch the surface, then touch their hands to their lips.
When you say someone is from Armenian extraction or is a Portuguese singer, you only touch the surface.
Then why in God's name would you ever let water touch the surface of your precious eight-dollar hand-forged cast-iron skillet?
Cover with cling-film (the film should touch the surface of the custard, to prevent a skin forming) and leave to cool.
In this way, we know where we're going to touch the surface, grab a sample, and bring it safely onboard the spacecraft.
Putting the cylinder in place, Mr. Fabris was careful not to touch the surface: Even a slight thumbprint can create an impression.
"These numbers only touch the surface" of the problem, said Jessica Stern, the executive director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.
"When I had to touch the ball, I was allowed to touch it only on the seam, and never touch the surface where the smudge is where the ball was hit.
