What is the Controversy Surrounding the Newsweek Cover and Cosmology?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the recent controversy over the re-naming of a chunk of rock in the solar system and the lack of proper attribution for a popular image in a news article about Pluto. The conversation also touches on the importance of dark matter and the author's opinion on its significance compared to the planets. The conversation ends with a sarcastic remark and a suggestion to write a letter to the editor.
  • #1
Rach3
INCOMPETENTS!

There I said it. I was distracted just now at the library by this week's Newsweek cover, subheadline "Our changing view of the universe..." Of course our understanding of the cosmos has been jolted in recent times, and it's obvious what I'm talking about - a professional society has re-named a chunk of rock.

Incredibly, there is the famous http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:060821_darkmatter.jpg image on p.46 - completely without proper attribution! The caption merely says, "Hubble telescope Image of Deep Space", no word of explanation on what the subject is, why we're looking at it, or even that the prominent feature in the image is in fact, drawn in by computer. :bugeye: (I wonder how many readers will think it's some sort of multicolor nebula? :uhh: ) There is no justifiation anywhere for putting in this half-page photo in an article about Pluto/134340. There is only one mention of dark matter, a one-sentence remark at the very end of the article. Followed by the author's opinionation of why it's comparatively not that important: "You don't have to be an astronomer, or an astologer, for that matter, to feel a special kinship to the planets..."

:grumpy:
 
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  • #2
Here is how the brilliant journalist concludes that dark matter is of little importance (after one sentence explains what it is, e.g. "it's invisible"):

p. 50 said:
"If their finding holds up, it could be a major step toward understanding the creation of the universe. But that wasn't what most people wanted to talk about. You don't have to be an astronomer, or an astrologer for that matter, to feel a special kinship to the planets, which, set against the immensity of intergalactic space, seem almost cozy: not "dark matter" or "black holes" but clumps of "rock" and "ice" circling our very own Sun.

Yes, this is all about astrology and feelings.


Ending on this gem:
If people seem unduly concerned with the definition of a planet, perhaps it's for the very good reason that we live on one.
Let's hope they don't rename Earth as an asteroid, thus flinging all of humanity into zero-gravity.
 
  • #3
:grumpy: ...
 
  • #4
Write the editor.
 

1. What is cosmology?

Cosmology is the study of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe. It encompasses various scientific fields, such as astronomy, physics, and mathematics, to understand the fundamental principles and laws that govern the universe and its components.

2. What are the current theories about the origin of the universe?

The most widely accepted theory is the Big Bang Theory, which suggests that the universe began as a singularity and has been expanding and cooling ever since. Other theories, such as the Steady State Theory and the Inflation Theory, have also been proposed and are still being studied and debated by scientists.

3. How do scientists study the universe?

Scientists use various tools and techniques, such as telescopes, satellites, and computer simulations, to observe and collect data about the universe. They also analyze the data using mathematical models and theories to make predictions and better understand the properties and behavior of the universe.

4. What is dark matter and dark energy?

Dark matter is a type of matter that does not emit or interact with light, making it invisible to traditional telescopes. It is believed to make up about 27% of the universe, and its presence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter. Dark energy, on the other hand, is a mysterious force that is thought to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe.

5. What are some current discoveries in cosmology?

Recent discoveries in cosmology include the detection of gravitational waves, the first image of a black hole, and evidence for the existence of exoplanets (planets outside our solar system). Scientists are also studying the cosmic microwave background radiation and the distribution of galaxies to gain a better understanding of the universe's history and composition.

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