Is the Claim of a Brown Dwarf Colliding with Our Sun on 8/22/2009 Just a Hoax?

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In summary, a brown dwarf star named Hellion allegedly colliding with our Sun on a specific date has been circulating in a physics forum causing panic. However, there is no evidence to support this claim and it is a variant of the Planet X hoax. This hoax has been debunked multiple times and is continuously recycled with new dates. Therefore, it is considered nonsense and a waste of time to entertain such ideas. The thread discussing this topic has been locked.
  • #1
symm-space
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A guy in another physics forum has had everyone freaked out for a month with this claim. He says that a brown dwarf called Hellion will collide with our Sun on 8/22/2009. The result of this impact will be catastrophic. Anyone with credibility heard anything about this?
 
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  • #2
Ridiculous.
 
  • #3
You friend is full of ...well you know. If a brown dwarf star was close enough to collide with the sun then we would start to see its effects on the Earth already. We would see huge shifts in the tide and our orbit would start to shift and animals would start acting very strangely.

We have seen none of these things and there is nothing from any astronomy department or amateur astronomers.
 
  • #4
This is a variant of the Planet X hoax. There is nothing to debunk, it is just complete nonsense. All if it is just made-up. Keep in mind that this hoax is currently being recycled over and over again with new dates after each is passed. The first failed date was in 2003, though I hadn't heard of this one - the next most common is in 2012. But you already know that, since you've posted about it before! Please stop wasting your time and ours with this nonsense. We don't give crackpot ideas forum here. Thread locked.
 

1. What does it mean to "debunk" something?

"Debunking" refers to the process of exposing a claim, belief, or theory as false, misleading, or unsupported by evidence. It involves thoroughly examining the evidence and arguments presented and providing evidence-based counterarguments to disprove the claim.

2. Why is it important to debunk false claims?

Debunking false claims is important because it helps prevent the spread of misinformation and promotes critical thinking. False claims can have harmful effects on individuals and society, and debunking them allows for a more accurate understanding of the world.

3. How can I tell if a claim has been debunked?

A claim is considered to be debunked if it has been thoroughly examined and proven to be false or unsupported by evidence. This can be done through scientific studies, fact-checking by reputable sources, or critical analysis of the evidence presented.

4. What are some common techniques used to debunk false claims?

Some common techniques used to debunk false claims include fact-checking, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and scientific evidence. It is important to thoroughly examine the evidence and arguments presented and provide evidence-based counterarguments to disprove the claim.

5. Can anyone debunk a false claim, or do you need to be an expert?

Anyone can debunk a false claim, as long as they have the necessary critical thinking skills and access to reliable information and evidence. However, experts in a particular field may have more knowledge and expertise to thoroughly debunk a claim within that specific subject area.

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