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Ask The Bad Astronomer

Posted by timothy on from the but-nothing-dirty-this-time dept.

Astronomer, author, columnist, and successful populizer of science Phil Plait, perhaps best known as The Bad Astronomer, is a regular sight on Slashdot for his unusual ability to find lucid explanations of esoteric scientific claims and controversies. Phil has graciously agreed to answer Slashdot readers' questions, so ask him below about space, science, debunking conspiracy claims, and anything else that makes sense. Asking more than one question is fine (and encouraged!), but please separate unrelated questions into separate posts, lest your questions be moderated down.

5 of 412 comments (clear)

  1. Light pollution by Frenzied+Apathy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    There are a large number of light pollution articles to be found on the Sky and Telescope website. We amateur astronomers are keenly aware that light pollution isn't just about being able to see more stars from our backyard. Yet, when I mention the subject to friends, family, co-workers, etc, I often get a blank stare. "What's 'light pollution'?" What do you think can/should be done to improve widespread public awareness of light pollution and its effects?

    --
    The cake is a lie.
  2. Pie in the Sky by Colonel+Korn · · Score: 5, Interesting

    If you could give Apollo-level funding to a single NASA program, what would it be? Would you direct that money internally or involve private space companies?

    Finally, what do you think of lunar-based observatories from a cost vs. performance standpoint?

    --
    "I zero-index my hamsters" - Willtor (147206)
  3. What do you think is the bigger threat? by UberOogie · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Given your unique position, I'd like to know your answer to this question:

    What do you think is the currently a bigger threat to legitimate science:
    - The growing wave of anti-intellectualism and anti-science that seemingly rejects science outright on certain issues
    - Or the growing wave of pseudo-science that undercuts science by adopting the trappings of science but none of its procedures?

    Thank you for your time.

    --
    "Enough of this wretched, whining monkey life." -- Marcus Aurelius, _Meditations_, Book 9, 37
  4. Re:Conspiracy? by Changa_MC · · Score: 5, Funny

    Actually, we have, but we all decided that it would be best not to let you in on it.

    --
    Changa hates change.
  5. UFO and legitimacy question by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Interesting

    If one views UFO's as a mystery instead of as "aliens", do you think there's a legitimate case for further study, even if it may only produce psychology lessons?

    Reliable pilot and passenger witnesses have seen "flying disks" in broad daylight up close, for example. I'd like to know what triggered that perception if it's not "real".

    --
    Table-ized A.I.