General astronomy discussion

Re: Like a Virgin...

DaveMitsky — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:48:37 GMT

Here's a quote from that link:

My guess is that only a tiny fraction of people truly believes that Armageddon is coming in December 2012. But their uncritical acceptance of this story worries me as a warning of the dangers of our current scientific illiteracy.

We're facing monumental problems with global warming and loss of habitat, yet a substantial minority of Americans thinks the world was formed less than 10,000 years ago and deny that evolution is possible. Many Americans seem to prefer coal-fired generators to nuclear power plants without realizing the toll in public health that coal imposes. Billions are spent, including tax-payer dollars, for so-called alternative medicine with no scientific evidence for its efficacy. And legislators often resist efforts to collect the data that could actually demonstrate which government programs are effective and which ones don't work as intended.

IMO, the writer is simply bemoaning the sad state of scientific illiteracy in this country and how it often leads the uniformed to believe any snake oil salesman with a flashy web site. I don't find his tone to be "hostile".

Dave Mitsky

Like a Virgin...

butterfly9 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:33:43 GMT

This is my first time hearing of the Nibiru theory. I read one of the articles in your response, and the astronomer writing against the theory really did nothing but call people who believe in it "scientifically illiterate". Then go off-topic bashing young-earthers and creationists (I am neither of the two and find their ideas laughable, but it is way off-topic) and moaning about global warming and coal burning?

He'd have done better to address the relatiely recent discovery of planets past Pluto, then talk about how nice and stable and cool they are.

What qualifies an astronomer to lecture on Earth's climate and evolution? And what does that have to do with this Nibiru thing? Will he lecture on lung cancer next?

The writer'sunjustifiably hostile tone is making me want to Google it rather than ignore it! LOL

Re: New planet exploding

AnonymousRex — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:27:49 GMT

One day medical science will explain to us exactly how an overactive Conspiracy Gland overrides common sense.

In the meantime, ask yourself how the government could "hide" something like a planet on a collision course when even personal-size telescopes fielded by amateurs can detect supernovae in distant galaxies.

Planets and large asteroids are by definition big and bright. So it doesn't matter how deeply you fear the Mason/Gov't/Grey Alien Alliance: it's simply not possible to "hide" something you can see with a $400 telescope.

Ok? Drink plenty of water and try to get some sleep. The world is not ending anytime soon.

Re: New planet exploding

johnm — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:11:29 GMT

Yeah, we should be wary of new planets, they tend to make you tired.

Re: New planet exploding

Callistonian — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:56:46 GMT

Anything with a "new planet" in the theory/fear i would be weary of.

Re: New planet exploding

Shady — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:53:56 GMT

Good afternoon Jevpjc.

I've heard no mention of this story on this side of the pond & I go through a few news channels everyday.

Re: New planet exploding

jevpjc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:09:03 GMT

Dave...you might be right...interesting read you sent me..sounds very much like what these people are saying.....usually don't pay attention to things like this....I trust the scientists and astronomers to tell the facts....guess I just don't trust the government.........thanks

Re: New planet exploding

DaveMitsky — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:46:03 GMT

It wouldn't happen to be Nibiru would it?

http://dsc.discovery.com/space/my-take/nibiru-armageddon-david-morrison.html

I wouldn't worry about this one bit. Astronomy will always attract doomsday crackpots.

http://www.badastronomy.com/bad/misc/planetx/

Dave Mitsky

Re: New planet exploding

chipdatajeffB — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:02:22 GMT

Nope. Not heard that one. Lots of 2012 nonsense, but not that one ... they're keeping it a good secret!

Seriously, not!

Re: New planet exploding

johnm — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:08:31 GMT

Clean the cobwebs out of your old fallout shelter.

Probably stockpile a few extra cans of pork&beans.

New planet exploding

jevpjc — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:52:54 GMT

Maybe one of you can help me....I've heard several people saying that this new planet is going to explode (maybe this summer but definetly by next summer) and it's going to effect Earth...to the point where we humans are going to be burnt to death...AND the government has been building under ground barricks where they and their family can be protected.........anyone else heard of this?