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Are there any good debates in Astronomy now?
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by i_want_to_flirt_with_drunk_sango
on 2006-08-27 19:08:21 (edited 2006-08-28 01:37:38)
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The recent debate about Pluto's demotion has got us all excited about Astronomy again! But this is an interesting but pointless topic, because: A. The demotion doesn't further undertsanding of the rest of our universe, just as leaving it be never would have! B. Regardless of status, Pluto is STILL there, we HAVE discovered it and know where it is, so it is still available as a observation tool, and in a thousand years a space station (no seriously, anyone who believes space exploration like htis won't happen is being foolish or at least unrealistic). C. Pluto's class change won't change anything a few footnotes in books... and maybe a travel agencies plan to market the planet in a thousand years! So, are there any good debates out there? |
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Re: Are there any good debates in Astronomy now?
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by
on 2006-08-27 20:41:35 (edited 2006-08-27 20:42:20)
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| Yes what makes up the 96% of the universe. That's a big one, and just the begining. Or there's also the debate on the age of the universe, pretty big'un there too. This whole pluto thing is like space politics, divert attention to keep away from the big problems. |
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Re: Are there any good debates in Astronomy now?
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No more space racing guys. USA spare no more big bucks to the space programs they used to in the cold war era. Now, most majority of the world worried more on the middle east crisis. That's why in astronomy we know just a little bit more than we already knew in 1990. and yes, other than Pluto demotion there's nothing really instresting to speak about. Addition: Friday, September 7'th There's a full-moon eclipse today. I read in the newspaper. You guys in the south east asia, watch out for earth-quake. It's the similar conditions when the Aceh's Tsunami strikes. There's a minor possibilities of earth-quake due to the change in distance of the moon to the earth. Watch out also for the tides.
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Re: Are there any good debates in Astronomy now?
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the "is pluto a planet question" is really one for planetary geologists, not astronomers. it's like asking "what is a mountain?" simplistic answer, anything over 1,000 feet tall. more sophisticated answer, a big mound of earth pushed up by geologic forces such as plate tectonics or vulcanism. i always thought the best way to define a planet is to ignore size, composition, orbit, etc. and concentrate on how the body was formed. was the astronomical body formed by the accretion of solid chunky material or was it a condensed cloud of dust and gas? it's geology will reveal whether it's a planet or something else. |
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Re: Are there any good debates in Astronomy now?
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by
on 2006-12-01 00:30:54 |
good point! but, due to lack of evidence, we don't know with much certainty how many far off bodies were formed. 
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Re: Are there any good debates in Astronomy now?
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I think there may be speculation about the formation of galaxies and other very far off phenomenon, but as for anything that would have direct consequences to normal people, I can't come up with anything...
>,>; Did I just say that...?
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Re: Are there any good debates in Astronomy now?
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by
on 2006-12-05 13:18:17 (edited 2006-12-05 13:22:55)
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well, its clear how galaxies form: gas and debris coalesces into large hot bodies called stars which perform fusion, giving off heat and light. where did our solar system come from is a harder question. clearly, all the material ultimately comes from star fusion and star supernova. but, which star produced all the stuff? could it have all come from our sun? was there an ancient super nova in our vicinity which resulted in our solar system and maybe even our neighbors?
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