Reply #46: Not the end of the world

[Ian David]

"Asteroid 2004 MN4 is thought to be about 1,300 feet (400 meters) long. That's not large enough to create a mass-extinction event, like the one that scientists say contributed to the demise of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. But if the asteroid hit the wrong place at the wrong time, it could cause a giant tsunami wave or deliver a nuclear-scale blast."

Fortunately, that's a big "if." There have been only a limited number of sightings of 2004 MN4, said Donald Yeomans, manager of the Near Earth Object Program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. As a result, astronomers have to provide for a wide margin of error in plotting the asteroid's future orbit, and that's the main reason why they see a slight chance of a collision on Friday, April 13, 2029.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6751433/

Then again, the possible impact dats is a FRIDAY THE 13TH and everyone knows that's very bad luck!

CSICOP will probably host a very special Superstition Bash that day:


The Center for Inquiry-joint new headquarters of CSICOP and CODESH-is open, and superstition is never going to be the same. Join us on Friday the 13th (of October, that is) for a light-hearted evening that will send a very serious message about superstition (two thumbs down) and critical thinking (two thumbs up).

From the moment you walk into the Center lobby-under a huge ladder-you'll know this is no ordinary skeptics meeting. We've invited local and regional media to watch us break a mirror, spill salt, open umbrellas indoors, and generally defy every kind of "bad luck" superstition associated with Friday the 13th.

* Full-size mirror shattered by A.M. Buffalo's Brian Kahle
* Black cat-path crossing
* Mass umbrella-opening
* Remarks by:
o CSICOP Chair Paul Kurtz,
o CSICOP Senior Research Fellow Joe Nickell,
o Journalist-magician Henry Gordon
o Folklorist Phillips Stevens (University of Buffalo)
* Snacks and soft drinks will be served.
* Tours of the new Center for Inquiry, including its libraries and seminar rooms

Be a part of WNY's biggest skeptical media event. Help us show the world how to laugh in the face of superstition and magical thinking!

Men, please wear hats (especially inside)
Everyone, please bring an umbrella (to open indoors)

http://www.csicop.org/events/friday13.html



The Superstition Bash is an event which explores the fascinating world of belief through history. Learning activities, informational displays, fun experiments, entertaining games, educational exhibits, and much more, are all part of the festivities.

The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and Skeptical Inquirer Magazine held their first Superstition Bash in the early 1990s. A diverse audience attended the event and the bash has been gathering steam ever since. Events can now be found around the world, organized at multiple venues and attracting people of all ages and interests.

Explore the possibilities of hosting a Superstition Bash in your community!

http://www.csicop.org/superstition/