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re: (meteorobs) potentially hazardous objects (PHA's)
Victor,
I think you misinterpret our skepticism regarding some of the claims
made as not being interested in the problem. Nothing could be further from
the truth. However, we are looking for facts here, and frankly, the article
that was in flatoday was fluff, filled with hype and hysteria, without any
support. Such fearmongering, without factual basis, only serves to
discredit the true science involved in the search for, and the danger of,
possible earth impactors, which we are indeed interested in.
You accuse us of not being aroused into action...yet do you have a
real basis for making that claim? Are you aware that the NJAA has applied
for grants to use our 26" scope to search for NEO's?
I assume not. I have contacted newspapers and broadcast media to correct
scientific errors, and get the facts out there, dealing firsthand with much
ignorance regarding science in those who have the public's eyes and ears.
I personally am quite interested in the subject, but I will not let
claims, such as fireball rates are increasing or decreasing pass without
some supporting investigation. Reports of fireballs crashing to the ground,
when subsequent investigation reveals that no such impact occurred serves
no useful purpose. Either the facts are there, or they are not. You call
these things minutia of details, but if we are to have any credibility
whatsoever in pushing for the appropriate funding and searches we must not
compromise our scientific principles in order to "wake up the public." We
must investigate and document facts and observations. Brian Marsden is a
scientist...I'm sure he would not accept an unsupported claim of a NEO or
PHA, would he? Of course not! He needs quality, documented observations to
accept such a report. Why should our standard be any lower? Certainly
impacts have occurred, and will occur in the future...that is a fact. Is
there a danger? Yes! Can we reduce that danger by searching for these
objects? Yes! Is that best served by incorrect information? I think not.
I am somewhat insulted that you interpret our requests of support for
claims as ignoring the problem, or not caring about it. With all the Bad
Science around in Movies, Television entertainment, and sadly news (the
sources of most "common man's" information), we have a great responsibility
to insist that the news that is reported, and the image formed in peoples
minds, is correct.
Now you make a good point, perhaps, that we should be a little more
active in writing letters and such, but there are only so many hours in the
day, and my plate is pretty full. I am the Meteor Research Coordinator AND
light pollution committee chairman (that alone is a full time job) at the
NJAA, editor of the AMS journal, an active meteor observer, hold down a
full time job, and have a family, so excuse me if I have not gotten that
letter written yet. Perhaps if you had made that point that such letters
need to be written without impugning our motives in asking for scientific
support, I would be more inclined to act immediately, rather than defend
myself.
And I assure you, that if such letters are written with hyperbole,
instead of facts, the cause will be lost for eternity, until the impact you
fear snuffs out our planet.
Personally, I have ordered a copy of Eugene Shoemaker's talk at RASC
regarding his theory and look forward to seeing it. I read any and all
articles in scientific journals that I can find relating to almost anything
scientific, but especially meteors, comets, and asteroids. I shudder to
think of the amount of money I spend on scientific journals and magazines
each year...in the effort to continually educate myself. I am a member of
the NJAA to share what I learn with other amateur astronomers, and most
importantly the public , on these issues, so my conscience is clear.
I also would like to point out that I have thoroughly enjoyed the
conversations you have started with your posts, as well as some of the
information you have gotten form Brian and other, and I look forward to
continuing the process of learning more and more about the subject, both
here on meteorobs, and in the rest of the research I conduct.
I will now deposit my $5.00
Wayne
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