Posted by Davin Flateau on 6 May 2005 at 2:15 pm.
Filed under General.
On July 4, NASA’s Deep Impact probe will smash part of itself into Comet Tempel 1, gathering data about the comet’s composition from the collision.
Now, a Russian court has ruled that an astrologer can sue NASA over the mission, contending that the impact would “disrupt the natural balance of the universe.” Her lawyer tries to explain:
“My client believes that the NASA project infringes upon her spiritual and life values as well as the natural life of the cosmos and would disrupt the natural balance of forces in the universe…”
I’m glad at least someone is in touch with the “natural balance of the Universe”, because my toast always lands butter-side down when it falls. Considering the predictions of astrologers are highly unreliable to say the least, I’d say that this particular person probably doesn’t have a good line on how the Universe works, let alone how any “forces” balance out. But I have a magic 8-ball on my desk that does a pretty good job.
[Update]: I was reminded of the excellent article debunking astrology by Phil “The Bad Astronomer” Plait on his website. It’s a must-read if you’ve wondered about the huge difference between the “onomy” and the “ology”. This introductory paragraph from Phil just about says it all.
Astrology is wrong.
I wanted to put that first, just so we’re clear, and to make sure you’re paying attention. I’ll repeat it later, too.
Phil’s website also takes on The Moon Landing Hoax, The Face on Mars, and lots of other honest misconceptions and crazy ideas that are floating around out there.
Davin Flateau
Phil Plait on 6 May 2005 at 4:48 pm: 1
Oh, if only someone, somewhere, debunked astrology!
dflateau on 6 May 2005 at 5:51 pm: 2
Thanks for the reminder of your excellent article! I’ll update the post to put the link in there!