This Just In: Mars will not kill you

[ComerPerro]

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/mystery_monday_030818.html


On Aug. 27, Mars will be closer to Earth than in nearly 60,000 years. This "close approach," as it's being billed, has some folks worried about potential dangers here on our planet.

One SPACE.com reader asks: "Will it be dangerous when Mars gets that close to Earth? It has me a little worried." Others have e-mailed to say they heard there would be earthquakes or other disasters. One of the many rumors going around says the two planets will collide.

The true gravity of the situation is benign. There is absolutely nothing to worry about.

<<snip>>

Other readers say they heard Mars will look as big as the Moon. It will not. On Aug. 27, Mars will look pretty much like it looks now, shining as a very bright star-like point of light.

<<snip>>

Still the rumors are rampant. One reader asked Joe Rao if Mars will hit Earth.

"The odds that Mars will crash into the Earth on Aug. 27 are about as good as the Detroit Tigers winning the 2003 World Series in 4 games."



People can't be this stupid.....

can they?*



*And I have met several Bush supporters.

[John_H]

1. It is pretty amazing though

My son and I took a look at it sun. night. Even through our cheap-ass telescope, we could see the ice on the south pole as well as a big dark spot.

[wheresthemind]

2. ITS DEANS FAULT!

er... no wait CLARKS FAULT....


(it just didn't feel like GD without some bashing : ) )

[absolutezero]

4. no no no

it's all because the gravity field surrounding clinton's penis
:evilgrin:

maybe this is because I was born to be a scientist but in the 3rd grade I knew Mars would never hit earth...how is it possible that fully functioning adults can't figure this out...f*cking idiots :spank:

[Terwilliger]

3. Mars Needs Women

Venus Rising

[WoodrowFan]

5. yes they can

In 1987 when Halley's Comet came by a museum worker azt a museum that was scheduling viewings of the comet through their telescope told me that people werecompliang that the museum was scheduling the viewings too late at night! (about 1 am). The museum was trying to explain that you can't schedule a COMET, that they are in view when the earth rotates enough to see it! Sheesh.

You just KNOW these people watch Faux "News."

[ComerPerro]

14. That is at the same time

hilarious and disturbing. Thanks for sharing that.

[WoodrowFan]

6. a slam on Astrology included..

Why the rumors?
Planetary doom prognostications pop up again and again because a handful of astrologers and self-anointed visionaries persist in disseminating garbage about how the positions of the planets can affect Earth by generating earthquakes, storms or other catastrophes. The Internet has made publishing of these false claims easy and more frequent.

"Only those who are foolish enough to think the motions of the planets have a bearing on their lives believe in this pseudo-science," says Joe Rao, SPACE.com's Night Sky columnist. He has been getting e-mail about this, too.

"There will be those who will try and convince the masses that this close approach will mean terrible cataclysms and catastrophes that will befall our planet," Rao said. "This close approach between Mars and Earth will have no effect on any other celestial bodies in space, including the Earth itself."

[AntiBushRepub]

7. not surprised

Every time there's some natural event, some lunatic fringe comes out and starts making predictions of gloom and doom.

Just like the nonexistent Y2k thing, and the Hale Bopp morons.

How many times have the Jehovas witnesses predicted the end of the world so far? About 7 I think, every time the date passes (and, surprise, we're all still here)they make a new prediction.

Nastradamus, I think, said December 12, 2012 for the end of the world... so I dunno.. fix a sandwich or something...wear a hat.

:thumbsup:

-An

[SmileyBoy]

8. Actually, Nostradamus said that the world would end in 3797.

He predicted a major world war and disasters (Armaggedeon??) at this period in time (which, to most extents, hasn't happened YET), and said that the remaining humans would live in peace and harmony for many centuries afterwards. You're thinking of the Mayan prediction of December 2012, which I personally think is a load of equine feces.

[MiltonLeBerle]

13. There is no Mayan prediction for the end of the world in 2012.

It is the end of their long-count calendar, and according to the ancient astrologers of the mayan world, the Winter Solstice Sun Conjuncts 'The Sacred Tree' in 2012 A.D.
The end of one World Age and the beginning of another- but NOT the end of the world.

[Terwilliger]

9. and?

astrology should be slammed

"Only those who are foolish enough to think the motions of the planets have a bearing on their lives believe in this pseudo-science," says Joe Rao, SPACE.com's Night Sky columnist.

and he's absolutely right

[WoodrowFan]

10. I wasn't arguing

I lIKED his comments on astrology....

[dave29]

15. ummm

I'm no believer in astrology, but the motion of the planets can have a significant impact on our lives. Just ask the dinosaurs.

[goobergunch]

11. The only major effect this will have in people...

is loss of sleep from observing.

I saw Mars in my Dob a few nights ago...it was great!

[Northwind]

12. People are silly enough to believe

That the position of the planets and stars at the moment of their birth has some effect on their personality and life path, so I guess it stands to reason that they are silly enough to believe this too.