Apocalypse 2012? The Truth About the End of the World

eccles · 22nd October 2009, 08:13 PM

The hype is beginning to invade the cultural landscape like bio-engineered kudzu: the end of the world is a mere three years away.

In late December, 2012, thanks to an unusual celestial alignment — or maybe just the expiration date of the Mayan calendar — our planet will be wracked and ruined. Look on the bright side: you can blow off your estimated tax payments for that year.

Hollywood producers — never ones to miss a silver lining — are hoping to make some hay with Earth's imminent quietus. A soon-to-be-released film, bearing the inventive title "2012", will let you see just how visually stunning doomsday can be.

The brouhaha has got some people's knickers in a knot. Scientists have waded into this sticky chiffon of pseudoscience and hyperbole, and told everyone to cool it. The end is not nigh, guy. After all, the apocalypse is routinely predicted, but always fails to appear.

This isn't just a reference to the somber forecasts of the Heaven's Gate crowd, or other dire warnings at the turn of the millennium — forecasts that were wildly inaccurate. No, you have to consider the big picture: There's been life on this planet for nearly four billion years, and nothing — not asteroids, gamma ray bursts, shifting magnetic poles, or the occasional supernova — nothing has managed to snuff it out. Life's tougher than a leather sandwich.

Cont: http://www.space.com/searchforlife/0...seti-2012.html

Ethnikos · 22nd October 2009, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by eccles

This isn't just a reference to the somber forecasts of the Heaven's Gate crowd,. . .

I always get a funny feeling whenever someone references that. I used to drive by that house almost every day, as a shortcut from my local community college, to my favorite skateboarding spot in Del Mar. I never noticed anything out of the ordinary until these dead people got in the news. Everyone was kind of shocked. I noticed that because a lot of the other riders at the spot lived in that area. Very odd and disturbing thing to happen.

GreyArea · 23rd October 2009, 07:41 AM

I am actually looking forward to 2012 getting closer and more significant in the minds of my friends and neighbors. The reason is that it will give me the chance to get a lot of cool stuff for cheap.

If they take it seriously, they won't mind signing a contract in which I can pay them $100 today, in exchange for everything they own (including their house and their car), with the property to be surrendered to me on January 1, 2013.

That's some spending money to help them it live up at the end of the world, and I'm the chump, right?

Of course, the fact that they'll balk at the offer is evidence I can show them that they don't really believe in this 2012 nonsense in the first place.

And if they take up the offer, I'd be willing to sell it all back to them for $100 on January 2. I'm a nice guy that way.

The point will still be made.

Foster Zygote · 23rd October 2009, 07:52 AM

What's especially stupid about this whole thing is that there is no "planetary alignment" in 2012.

KingMerv00 · 23rd October 2009, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by Foster Zygote

What's especially stupid about this whole thing is that there is no "planetary alignment" in 2012.

Nonsense. On that horrible day, you will be able to draw a straight line from Earth to any planet or star in the universe!

Aepervius · 24th October 2009, 10:58 AM

shameless plug : 2012 the real film

TimCallahan · 24th October 2009, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by GreyArea

If they take it seriously, they won't mind signing a contract in which I can pay them $100 today, in exchange for everything they own (including their house and their car), with the property to be surrendered to me on January 1, 2013.

That's some spending money to help them it live up at the end of the world, and I'm the chump, right?

Of course, the fact that they'll balk at the offer is evidence I can show them that they don't really believe in this 2012 nonsense in the first place.

And if they take up the offer, I'd be willing to sell it all back to them for $100 on January 2. I'm a nice guy that way.

The point will still be made.

Actually, I think you should charge interest or at least maintenance fees. Also, as a test of their faith, not only should they be willing to give your their stuff, they should also emulate the Heaven's Gate crowd and cut their balls off.

Moochie · 24th October 2009, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by eccles

The hype is beginning to invade the cultural landscape like bio-engineered kudzu: the end of the world is a mere three years away.

In late December, 2012, thanks to an unusual celestial alignment — or maybe just the expiration date of the Mayan calendar — our planet will be wracked and ruined. Look on the bright side: you can blow off your estimated tax payments for that year.

Hollywood producers — never ones to miss a silver lining — are hoping to make some hay with Earth's imminent quietus. A soon-to-be-released film, bearing the inventive title "2012", will let you see just how visually stunning doomsday can be.

The brouhaha has got some people's knickers in a knot. Scientists have waded into this sticky chiffon of pseudoscience and hyperbole, and told everyone to cool it. The end is not nigh, guy. After all, the apocalypse is routinely predicted, but always fails to appear.

This isn't just a reference to the somber forecasts of the Heaven's Gate crowd, or other dire warnings at the turn of the millennium — forecasts that were wildly inaccurate. No, you have to consider the big picture: There's been life on this planet for nearly four billion years, and nothing — not asteroids, gamma ray bursts, shifting magnetic poles, or the occasional supernova — nothing has managed to snuff it out. Life's tougher than a leather sandwich.

Cont: http://www.space.com/searchforlife/0...seti-2012.html

Yech! Who designed that site?

M.

Roadtoad · 24th October 2009, 02:16 PM

Does this mean that I can keep my house, since BofA will no longer be around to pester me on January 1, 2013?

Of course, I won't be around either, but, hey, there's always a catch, right?

aviolet4u · 24th October 2009, 02:19 PM

I've heard our biggest worries are solar flares and Yellowstone? Thousands of people have already died from tsunamis and earthquakes during our generation so were aren't immune to that. But the whole world ending? Doubt it.

maatorc · 24th October 2009, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Foster Zygote

What's especially stupid about this whole thing is that there is no "planetary alignment" in 2012.

You are quite right.
It is basic science, well known for a long time, called the precession.
The Earth has a long term wobble lasting about 26000 years.
See, for example <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precession_(astronomy)>.
In December 2012 the Sun will rise aligned with the centre of our galaxy from our Earthly perspective.
Maybe the Earth's crust will be strained, and we will experience another ice-age, the odd continent may experience severe geophysical shifts, seas will rise, etc.
Human cultural-religious-ideological-social-economic-technological-etc-costs may be beyond our present willingness to accept or psychologically cope with now and then.
The real point about ALL of this is that we are there NOW, at the major 13000 year mid-cyclic stress-point, and probably will be for the next century or two or three or more.
Everything will continue. We will likely survive it. The weather and general conditions will, as before, cycle on, and in due time repeat.

Roadtoad · 24th October 2009, 04:39 PM

Real signs of the end of the world:

1.) Paris Hilton is elected to the US Senate.

2.) Pia Zadora wins a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

3.) Tin Foil Timothy is readmitted to the board.

4.) Michael Moore becomes a Republican.

5.) Coventry City wins the English Football Cup.

6.) Someone figures how fast an African swallow flies. And how much it can carry.

7.) Or they could ask Dennis.

8.) Britney Spears develops something resembling "talent."

9.) Tim is turned into a newt. And shaved.

10.) The next TAM is opened with a prayer.

11.) We figure out who the Werewolf of London's tailor is.

12.) Uma Thurman is no longer sexy.

13.) Jimmy Hoffa's grave is located.

14.) Abba reunites and goes on tour.

15.) ???

Anyone else?

Ladewig · 24th October 2009, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by maatorc

You are quite right.
It is basic science, well known for a long time, called the precession.
The Earth has a long term wobble lasting about 26000 years.
See, for example <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precession_(astronomy)>.
In December 2012 the Sun will rise aligned with the centre of our galaxy from our Earthly perspective.

Link didn't work for me.

In any case I have a issue with the claim. If the earth's orbit is in the same plain as the center of the galaxy, then once per year, the rising sun will appear in front of the center of the galaxy. As precession moves the earth's axis, this alignment will occur on different days and at different points on the earth's surface, but that alignment will occur annually.

aviolet4u · 24th October 2009, 05:24 PM

So basically when people said we should be going through major earth changes around that time, its a huge possibility? Sounds intense to me...I would be more worried about Yellowstone in that case.

Roadtoad · 24th October 2009, 05:26 PM

I'll worry about it when there's more evidence than a possible mistranslation of something a long lost nation declared (or didn't declare) centuries ago.

Roadtoad · 24th October 2009, 05:31 PM

Then again, it may already be too late.

THE SKY IS FALLING! THE SKY IS FALLING!

BobHaulk · 24th October 2009, 05:33 PM

maybe someone should check to see what david ickes got to say on 2012, he's always got his finger on the pulse

Roadtoad · 24th October 2009, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by BobHaulk

maybe someone should check to see what david ickes got to say on 2012, he's always got his finger on the pulse

Knock yourself out.

Elizabeth I · 24th October 2009, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Roadtoad

Real signs of the end of the world:

1.) Paris Hilton is elected to the US Senate.

2.) Pia Zadora wins a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

3.) Tin Foil Timothy is readmitted to the board.

4.) Michael Moore becomes a Republican.

5.) Coventry City wins the English Football Cup.

6.) Someone figures how fast an African swallow flies. And how much it can carry.

7.) Or they could ask Dennis.

8.) Britney Spears develops something resembling "talent."

9.) Tim is turned into a newt. And shaved.

10.) The next TAM is opened with a prayer.

11.) We figure out who the Werewolf of London's tailor is.

12.) Uma Thurman is no longer sexy.

13.) Jimmy Hoffa's grave is located.

14.) Abba reunites and goes on tour.

15.) ???

Anyone else?

Well, we're 1/14 of the way there then, 'cause I don't think Uma Thurman is sexy in the slightest.

Eyeron · 24th October 2009, 06:41 PM

The earth will be getting a sex change. So I guess from now on instead of Gaia we should call it Gregory.

aviolet4u · 24th October 2009, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by Eyeron

The earth will be getting a sex change. So I guess from now on instead of Gaia we should call it Gregory.

ahhh so thats the real definition of earth changes. That makes sense to me now. Thanks for clarifying.

maatorc · 24th October 2009, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by Ladewig

Link didn't work for me.

In any case I have a issue with the claim. If the earth's orbit is in the same plain as the center of the galaxy, then once per year, the rising sun will appear in front of the center of the galaxy. As precession moves the earth's axis, this alignment will occur on different days and at different points on the earth's surface, but that alignment will occur annually.

I hit on the link on your post and it worked OK - You may have a computer problem.

Have not said the Earth's orbit is in the same plain as the Galaxy. Have a look at the general information on the precession. It is general knowledge, not just my opinion.

Roadtoad · 24th October 2009, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Elizabeth I

Well, we're 1/14 of the way there then, 'cause I don't think Uma Thurman is sexy in the slightest.

maatorc · 24th October 2009, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by Foster Zygote

What's especially stupid about this whole thing is that there is no "planetary alignment" in 2012.

Had another look at the problem link.
You may find this one easier:http://www.carnaval.com/precession/.

Roadtoad · 24th October 2009, 10:23 PM

Man, where's Phil Plait when you need him?

Ladewig · 25th October 2009, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by maatorc

I hit on the link on your post and it worked OK - You may have a computer problem.

The cause of the problem is the greater than sign after the close parenthesis prevents my browser from reading the last parenthesis and thus gives me a wikipedia stub instead of an article. Is it really only my machine that does that? Did the link for for everyone else?

Quote:

Have not said the Earth's orbit is in the same plain as the Galaxy. Have a look at the general information on the precession. It is general knowledge, not just my opinion.

My mistake, I was confusing axial precession with ecliptic precession. On the other hand, I have seen no evidence that the 100,000 year ecliptic precession will cause an alignment in 2012.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ETA: the other link http://www.carnaval.com/precession/ talks only about axial precession which has no effect on ecliptic precession.

Foster Zygote · 25th October 2009, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by maatorc

In December 2012 the Sun will rise aligned with the centre of our galaxy from our Earthly perspective.
Maybe the Earth's crust will be strained, and we will experience another ice-age, the odd continent may experience severe geophysical shifts, seas will rise, etc.

Really? How much gravitational force does the center of the Milky Way exert on the Earth? It must be considerably less than the moon. Why don't we see any odd geophysical effects during a solar eclipse?

Stout · 25th October 2009, 09:03 AM

Oh yea, I was forgetting about the alignment thing. here i was thinking the world was going to end because some planet with a funny name is supposed to come cruising through our solar system and turn it into a giant billiard table like event.

What about those 13 crystal skulls, or was that a movie ? Damn this world ending stuff is all starting to run together, luckily I still have that backyard bunker filled with water, freeze dried food and machine guns left over from the Y2K "scare".

maatorc · 25th October 2009, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Foster Zygote

Really? How much gravitational force does the center of the Milky Way exert on the Earth? It must be considerably less than the moon. Why don't we see any odd geophysical effects during a solar eclipse?

The forces at work are within the Solar system in the spatial-gravitational connections of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
The alignment of the Earth-Sun-Galaxy centre is a coincidental space-time
cyclic marker.
Regrettably the standard science of the perfectly normal 2012 precession question is plagued by an 'end of world' - 'idiot ignorance' duality, some of which is in this thread.

22nd October 2009, 08:13 PM	#1
eccles Critical Thinker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 358	Apocalypse 2012? The Truth About the End of the World The hype is beginning to invade the cultural landscape like bio-engineered kudzu: the end of the world is a mere three years away. In late December, 2012, thanks to an unusual celestial alignment — or maybe just the expiration date of the Mayan calendar — our planet will be wracked and ruined. Look on the bright side: you can blow off your estimated tax payments for that year. Hollywood producers — never ones to miss a silver lining — are hoping to make some hay with Earth's imminent quietus. A soon-to-be-released film, bearing the inventive title "2012", will let you see just how visually stunning doomsday can be. The brouhaha has got some people's knickers in a knot. Scientists have waded into this sticky chiffon of pseudoscience and hyperbole, and told everyone to cool it. The end is not nigh, guy. After all, the apocalypse is routinely predicted, but always fails to appear. This isn't just a reference to the somber forecasts of the Heaven's Gate crowd, or other dire warnings at the turn of the millennium — forecasts that were wildly inaccurate. No, you have to consider the big picture: There's been life on this planet for nearly four billion years, and nothing — not asteroids, gamma ray bursts, shifting magnetic poles, or the occasional supernova — nothing has managed to snuff it out. Life's tougher than a leather sandwich. Cont: http://www.space.com/searchforlife/0...seti-2012.html
	__________________ em hotep Rev. Robert Tobin (Minister, First Church of Atheism) Thank 'god' I am Atheist

22nd October 2009, 09:13 PM	#2
Ethnikos Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: USA Posts: 1,712	Originally Posted by eccles This isn't just a reference to the somber forecasts of the Heaven's Gate crowd,. . . I always get a funny feeling whenever someone references that. I used to drive by that house almost every day, as a shortcut from my local community college, to my favorite skateboarding spot in Del Mar. I never noticed anything out of the ordinary until these dead people got in the news. Everyone was kind of shocked. I noticed that because a lot of the other riders at the spot lived in that area. Very odd and disturbing thing to happen.
	__________________ God did not spare the angels who sinned, but threw them into hell and locked them up in chains in utter darkness, to be kept until the judgment

23rd October 2009, 07:41 AM	#3
GreyArea Scholar Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 51	I am actually looking forward to 2012 getting closer and more significant in the minds of my friends and neighbors. The reason is that it will give me the chance to get a lot of cool stuff for cheap. If they take it seriously, they won't mind signing a contract in which I can pay them $100 today, in exchange for everything they own (including their house and their car), with the property to be surrendered to me on January 1, 2013. That's some spending money to help them it live up at the end of the world, and I'm the chump, right? Of course, the fact that they'll balk at the offer is evidence I can show them that they don't really believe in this 2012 nonsense in the first place. And if they take up the offer, I'd be willing to sell it all back to them for $100 on January 2. I'm a nice guy that way. The point will still be made.
GreyArea Scholar Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 51

23rd October 2009, 07:52 AM	#4
Foster Zygote Dental Floss Tycoon Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Utility Muffin Research Kitchen Posts: 7,838	What's especially stupid about this whole thing is that there is no "planetary alignment" in 2012.
	__________________ A cheetah coat fills up with steam She's such a scream

23rd October 2009, 08:06 AM	#5
KingMerv00 Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Philadelphia, PA...USA Posts: 8,785	Originally Posted by Foster Zygote What's especially stupid about this whole thing is that there is no "planetary alignment" in 2012. Nonsense. On that horrible day, you will be able to draw a straight line from Earth to any planet or star in the universe!
	__________________ TEEK on Merv: He really is cute. Not in a tickle-me-Elmo way, either. Cicero: [Ann Coulter] doesn't require defending. Her education, college appearances, and book sales speak for themselves

24th October 2009, 10:58 AM	#6
Aepervius Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,391	shameless plug : 2012 the real film
	__________________ Omnes Blessant Ultima necat One doesn't necessarily need evidence to back up arguments. Interresting Ian own's words. Plus that is an old skeptic game, to ask for evidence. Historian's take on skepticism

24th October 2009, 01:13 PM	#7
TimCallahan Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,000	Originally Posted by GreyArea If they take it seriously, they won't mind signing a contract in which I can pay them $100 today, in exchange for everything they own (including their house and their car), with the property to be surrendered to me on January 1, 2013. That's some spending money to help them it live up at the end of the world, and I'm the chump, right? Of course, the fact that they'll balk at the offer is evidence I can show them that they don't really believe in this 2012 nonsense in the first place. And if they take up the offer, I'd be willing to sell it all back to them for $100 on January 2. I'm a nice guy that way. The point will still be made. Actually, I think you should charge interest or at least maintenance fees. Also, as a test of their faith, not only should they be willing to give your their stuff, they should also emulate the Heaven's Gate crowd and cut their balls off.

24th October 2009, 02:13 PM	#8
Moochie Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,371	Originally Posted by eccles The hype is beginning to invade the cultural landscape like bio-engineered kudzu: the end of the world is a mere three years away. In late December, 2012, thanks to an unusual celestial alignment — or maybe just the expiration date of the Mayan calendar — our planet will be wracked and ruined. Look on the bright side: you can blow off your estimated tax payments for that year. Hollywood producers — never ones to miss a silver lining — are hoping to make some hay with Earth's imminent quietus. A soon-to-be-released film, bearing the inventive title "2012", will let you see just how visually stunning doomsday can be. The brouhaha has got some people's knickers in a knot. Scientists have waded into this sticky chiffon of pseudoscience and hyperbole, and told everyone to cool it. The end is not nigh, guy. After all, the apocalypse is routinely predicted, but always fails to appear. This isn't just a reference to the somber forecasts of the Heaven's Gate crowd, or other dire warnings at the turn of the millennium — forecasts that were wildly inaccurate. No, you have to consider the big picture: There's been life on this planet for nearly four billion years, and nothing — not asteroids, gamma ray bursts, shifting magnetic poles, or the occasional supernova — nothing has managed to snuff it out. Life's tougher than a leather sandwich. Cont: http://www.space.com/searchforlife/0...seti-2012.html Yech! Who designed that site? M.
Moochie Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,371	__________________

24th October 2009, 02:16 PM	#9
Roadtoad Bufo Caminus Inedibilis Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Looking for a decent Taco... Posts: 11,882	Does this mean that I can keep my house, since BofA will no longer be around to pester me on January 1, 2013? Of course, I won't be around either, but, hey, there's always a catch, right?
	__________________ "I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." Harriet Tubman "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass "Power corrupts. Absolute power... is pretty cool, actually." BPSCG My blog.

24th October 2009, 02:19 PM	#10
aviolet4u Thinker Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 240	I've heard our biggest worries are solar flares and Yellowstone? Thousands of people have already died from tsunamis and earthquakes during our generation so were aren't immune to that. But the whole world ending? Doubt it.
aviolet4u Thinker Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 240

24th October 2009, 04:26 PM	#11
maatorc Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,434	Originally Posted by Foster Zygote What's especially stupid about this whole thing is that there is no "planetary alignment" in 2012. You are quite right. It is basic science, well known for a long time, called the precession. The Earth has a long term wobble lasting about 26000 years. See, for example <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precession_(astronomy)>. In December 2012 the Sun will rise aligned with the centre of our galaxy from our Earthly perspective. Maybe the Earth's crust will be strained, and we will experience another ice-age, the odd continent may experience severe geophysical shifts, seas will rise, etc. Human cultural-religious-ideological-social-economic-technological-etc-costs may be beyond our present willingness to accept or psychologically cope with now and then. The real point about ALL of this is that we are there NOW, at the major 13000 year mid-cyclic stress-point, and probably will be for the next century or two or three or more. Everything will continue. We will likely survive it. The weather and general conditions will, as before, cycle on, and in due time repeat.
maatorc Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,434	Last edited by maatorc; 24th October 2009 at 04:33 PM.

24th October 2009, 04:39 PM	#12
Roadtoad Bufo Caminus Inedibilis Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Looking for a decent Taco... Posts: 11,882	Real signs of the end of the world: 1.) Paris Hilton is elected to the US Senate. 2.) Pia Zadora wins a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 3.) Tin Foil Timothy is readmitted to the board. 4.) Michael Moore becomes a Republican. 5.) Coventry City wins the English Football Cup. 6.) Someone figures how fast an African swallow flies. And how much it can carry. 7.) Or they could ask Dennis. 8.) Britney Spears develops something resembling "talent." 9.) Tim is turned into a newt. And shaved. 10.) The next TAM is opened with a prayer. 11.) We figure out who the Werewolf of London's tailor is. 12.) Uma Thurman is no longer sexy. 13.) Jimmy Hoffa's grave is located. 14.) Abba reunites and goes on tour. 15.) ??? Anyone else?
	__________________ "I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." Harriet Tubman "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass "Power corrupts. Absolute power... is pretty cool, actually." BPSCG My blog.

24th October 2009, 04:54 PM	#13
Ladewig Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Gulf Coast Posts: 8,959	Originally Posted by maatorc You are quite right. It is basic science, well known for a long time, called the precession. The Earth has a long term wobble lasting about 26000 years. See, for example <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precession_(astronomy)>. In December 2012 the Sun will rise aligned with the centre of our galaxy from our Earthly perspective. Link didn't work for me. In any case I have a issue with the claim. If the earth's orbit is in the same plain as the center of the galaxy, then once per year, the rising sun will appear in front of the center of the galaxy. As precession moves the earth's axis, this alignment will occur on different days and at different points on the earth's surface, but that alignment will occur annually.
	__________________ When I see all the kooky things posted on the JREF forums, I can't help but think of Max Bialystock's lament: "They come here, they all come here, how do they find us?"

24th October 2009, 05:24 PM	#14
aviolet4u Thinker Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 240	So basically when people said we should be going through major earth changes around that time, its a huge possibility? Sounds intense to me...I would be more worried about Yellowstone in that case.
aviolet4u Thinker Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 240

24th October 2009, 05:26 PM	#15
Roadtoad Bufo Caminus Inedibilis Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Looking for a decent Taco... Posts: 11,882	I'll worry about it when there's more evidence than a possible mistranslation of something a long lost nation declared (or didn't declare) centuries ago.
	__________________ "I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." Harriet Tubman "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass "Power corrupts. Absolute power... is pretty cool, actually." BPSCG My blog.

24th October 2009, 05:31 PM	#16
Roadtoad Bufo Caminus Inedibilis Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Looking for a decent Taco... Posts: 11,882	Then again, it may already be too late. THE SKY IS FALLING! THE SKY IS FALLING!
	__________________ "I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." Harriet Tubman "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass "Power corrupts. Absolute power... is pretty cool, actually." BPSCG My blog.

24th October 2009, 05:33 PM	#17
BobHaulk Scholar Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 73	maybe someone should check to see what david ickes got to say on 2012, he's always got his finger on the pulse
BobHaulk Scholar Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 73

24th October 2009, 05:41 PM	#18
Roadtoad Bufo Caminus Inedibilis Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Looking for a decent Taco... Posts: 11,882	Originally Posted by BobHaulk maybe someone should check to see what david ickes got to say on 2012, he's always got his finger on the pulse Knock yourself out.
	__________________ "I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." Harriet Tubman "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass "Power corrupts. Absolute power... is pretty cool, actually." BPSCG My blog.

24th October 2009, 06:06 PM	#19
Elizabeth I Olympic Equestrian Wannabe Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Defending the Alamo Posts: 5,125	Originally Posted by Roadtoad Real signs of the end of the world: 1.) Paris Hilton is elected to the US Senate. 2.) Pia Zadora wins a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 3.) Tin Foil Timothy is readmitted to the board. 4.) Michael Moore becomes a Republican. 5.) Coventry City wins the English Football Cup. 6.) Someone figures how fast an African swallow flies. And how much it can carry. 7.) Or they could ask Dennis. 8.) Britney Spears develops something resembling "talent." 9.) Tim is turned into a newt. And shaved. 10.) The next TAM is opened with a prayer. 11.) We figure out who the Werewolf of London's tailor is. 12.) Uma Thurman is no longer sexy. 13.) Jimmy Hoffa's grave is located. 14.) Abba reunites and goes on tour. 15.) ??? Anyone else? Well, we're 1/14 of the way there then, 'cause I don't think Uma Thurman is sexy in the slightest.
	__________________ • There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. - Winston Churchill • Never wrestle with a pig - you just get dirty and the pig enjoys it. • Eats, Shoots and Leaves: buy it, read it, practice it

24th October 2009, 06:41 PM	#20
Eyeron Guest Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,774	The earth will be getting a sex change. So I guess from now on instead of Gaia we should call it Gregory.
Eyeron Guest Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,774

24th October 2009, 06:50 PM	#21
aviolet4u Thinker Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 240	Originally Posted by Eyeron The earth will be getting a sex change. So I guess from now on instead of Gaia we should call it Gregory. ahhh so thats the real definition of earth changes. That makes sense to me now. Thanks for clarifying.
aviolet4u Thinker Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 240

24th October 2009, 07:04 PM	#22
maatorc Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,434	Originally Posted by Ladewig Link didn't work for me. In any case I have a issue with the claim. If the earth's orbit is in the same plain as the center of the galaxy, then once per year, the rising sun will appear in front of the center of the galaxy. As precession moves the earth's axis, this alignment will occur on different days and at different points on the earth's surface, but that alignment will occur annually. I hit on the link on your post and it worked OK - You may have a computer problem. Have not said the Earth's orbit is in the same plain as the Galaxy. Have a look at the general information on the precession. It is general knowledge, not just my opinion.
maatorc Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,434	Last edited by maatorc; 24th October 2009 at 07:05 PM.

24th October 2009, 07:37 PM	#23
Roadtoad Bufo Caminus Inedibilis Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Looking for a decent Taco... Posts: 11,882	Originally Posted by Elizabeth I Well, we're 1/14 of the way there then, 'cause I don't think Uma Thurman is sexy in the slightest.
	__________________ "I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." Harriet Tubman "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass "Power corrupts. Absolute power... is pretty cool, actually." BPSCG My blog.

24th October 2009, 09:40 PM	#24
maatorc Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,434	Originally Posted by Foster Zygote What's especially stupid about this whole thing is that there is no "planetary alignment" in 2012. Had another look at the problem link. You may find this one easier:http://www.carnaval.com/precession/.
maatorc Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,434

24th October 2009, 10:23 PM	#25
Roadtoad Bufo Caminus Inedibilis Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Looking for a decent Taco... Posts: 11,882	Man, where's Phil Plait when you need him?
	__________________ "I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." Harriet Tubman "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass "Power corrupts. Absolute power... is pretty cool, actually." BPSCG My blog.

25th October 2009, 07:02 AM	#26
Ladewig Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Gulf Coast Posts: 8,959	Originally Posted by maatorc I hit on the link on your post and it worked OK - You may have a computer problem. The cause of the problem is the greater than sign after the close parenthesis prevents my browser from reading the last parenthesis and thus gives me a wikipedia stub instead of an article. Is it really only my machine that does that? Did the link for for everyone else? Quote: Have not said the Earth's orbit is in the same plain as the Galaxy. Have a look at the general information on the precession. It is general knowledge, not just my opinion. My mistake, I was confusing axial precession with ecliptic precession. On the other hand, I have seen no evidence that the 100,000 year ecliptic precession will cause an alignment in 2012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETA: the other link http://www.carnaval.com/precession/ talks only about axial precession which has no effect on ecliptic precession.
	__________________ When I see all the kooky things posted on the JREF forums, I can't help but think of Max Bialystock's lament: "They come here, they all come here, how do they find us?" Last edited by Ladewig; 25th October 2009 at 07:07 AM.

25th October 2009, 08:53 AM	#27
Foster Zygote Dental Floss Tycoon Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Utility Muffin Research Kitchen Posts: 7,838	Originally Posted by maatorc In December 2012 the Sun will rise aligned with the centre of our galaxy from our Earthly perspective. Maybe the Earth's crust will be strained, and we will experience another ice-age, the odd continent may experience severe geophysical shifts, seas will rise, etc. Really? How much gravitational force does the center of the Milky Way exert on the Earth? It must be considerably less than the moon. Why don't we see any odd geophysical effects during a solar eclipse?
	__________________ A cheetah coat fills up with steam She's such a scream

25th October 2009, 09:03 AM	#28
Stout Muse Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 751	Oh yea, I was forgetting about the alignment thing. here i was thinking the world was going to end because some planet with a funny name is supposed to come cruising through our solar system and turn it into a giant billiard table like event. What about those 13 crystal skulls, or was that a movie ? Damn this world ending stuff is all starting to run together, luckily I still have that backyard bunker filled with water, freeze dried food and machine guns left over from the Y2K "scare".

25th October 2009, 05:32 PM	#29
maatorc Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,434	Originally Posted by Foster Zygote Really? How much gravitational force does the center of the Milky Way exert on the Earth? It must be considerably less than the moon. Why don't we see any odd geophysical effects during a solar eclipse? The forces at work are within the Solar system in the spatial-gravitational connections of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. The alignment of the Earth-Sun-Galaxy centre is a coincidental space-time cyclic marker. Regrettably the standard science of the perfectly normal 2012 precession question is plagued by an 'end of world' - 'idiot ignorance' duality, some of which is in this thread.
maatorc Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,434