Global Warming

Global warming is not the sun's fault, say some scientists.

Our results imply that, over the past century, climate change due to human influences must far outweigh the effects of changes in the Sun's brightness.

Global warming, in part, might be due to cosmic rays but we are not sure , say some other scientists

...the sun has an effect. But I'm also saying it's uncertain how much global warming has to do with the sun and how much is caused by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
...The greenhouse effect must play some role. But those who are absolutely certain that the rise in temperatures is due solely to carbon dioxide have no scientific justification. It's pure guesswork.

Conclusion: if global warming exists (and the question is not yet decided), we do not yet know the causation. Are you listening Al Gore and David Cameron.

Tags: Astronomy, Global Warming

Saving the Planet

Save the planet (Pluto, that is) say dissident astonomers from New Mexico, and from from Hawaii.

No such problems for Burmese astrologers. They have found an elegant solution to the astronomical controversy generated the International Astronomical Union's downgrading of Pluto from full planetary status: ignore the IAU.

Pluto has been traditionally defined as a planet in astrology, and it will retain that status," U Tiun Lin, president of the Myanmar Astrologers Association was quoted as saying in the Myanmar Times.

Good for them. I wish them well, whatever the future may hold.