Global Cooling

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Since you can't have a really good discussion about the end of the world without bringing Douglas Adams into it...

There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

There is another theory which states that this has already happened.

So you see, it all works out, nice and tidy.

[Tipsy Gypsy]

This is the way the world will end,
Not with a bang, but a whimper.


Just had to toss that'n out there

[Demetrius]

It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine...

(Oops, wrong thread). 

That is, however, quite a spectacular photo of the sun.

[MacLaren]

Well, Jack, you've pointed out the most complete description of this universe as stated by the brilliant Douglass Adams. I'm of the opinion of the second theory, myself.

Now how the hell do I get to that restaurant.....where is it, at the end of the universe?

[Noble Dreg]

A 'clean and pure' sun, what a mesmerizing image...beautiful.


Wonder if the back side looks the same?  I guess we'll find out in 6 months.   

Actually- the sun rotates on its axis, but sections rotate at different rates due to the fact that it is a large ball of gas. The central part rotates in less than a month, so you won't have to wait six months!

My apologies, to those who are offended, for bringing science into it...  

 

I seem to recall the sun rotated at a rate similar to the lunar cycle (though unlikely a direct connection).  Like most things it's all about perspective.  I remember being taught in school that we were actually closer to the sun in winter than we were in summer...never gave it a second thought...of course they never mentioned it's summer "down under" when it's winter here!  All about perspective (and the tilt of the earth toward the sun).

[Demetrius]

A 'clean and pure' sun, what a mesmerizing image...beautiful.


Wonder if the back side looks the same?  I guess we'll find out in 6 months.   

Actually- the sun rotates on its axis, but sections rotate at different rates due to the fact that it is a large ball of gas. The central part rotates in less than a month, so you won't have to wait six months!

My apologies, to those who are offended, for bringing science into it...  

 

I seem to recall the sun rotated at a rate similar to the lunar cycle (though unlikely a direct connection).  Like most things it's all about perspective.  I remember being taught in school that we were actually closer to the sun in winter than we were in summer...never gave it a second thought...of course they never mentioned it's summer "down under" when it's winter here!  All about perspective (and the tilt of the earth toward the sun).

"Ah, but what also floats on water?"

Yeah, it has more to do with the tilt, though the distance of the orbit does vary due to the fact that it is not a perfect circle.
Jupiter rotates every 9 hours 50 minutes, which is why it has the most angular momentum of any object in our solar system. The clouds at its equator rotate even faster by 5 minutes.
Here on earth the clouds in the upper atmosphere are warmer in winter, and colder in summer. You should check out noctilucent clouds- a fascinating response to changes in global weather patterns. (Yes, I have a degree in astronomy).

If you aren't already aware, H.A. Rey, who wrote the Curious George books for children, wrote an excellent book on astronomy called "The Stars." I highly recommend it for anyone of any age who loves to look at the night sky.

[SirRichardBear]

I read a theory once that the giant red spot was caused by the difference in rotation between two zone on Jupter.  Wonder if that theory is still held. 

As I was reading about Mt. Redoubt I was wondering if it blew would we get the same cool wet summer we did when St Helen blew.

[Demetrius]

I read a theory once that the giant red spot was caused by the difference in rotation between two zone on Jupter.  Wonder if that theory is still held. 

Not sure about that theory, but it may be a large (multiple earth sized) hurricane with no land mass to slow it down- hence, it has been around for at least the past four hundred years (when humans first observed it).
The Coriolis force (well known to pilots) may be an important factor of the storm in addition to the fact that the core of Jupiter is a huge heat source.

Personally, I like to believe it is a small UFO filled to the brim with Elvis impersonators.
Hunk-a-hunk-a burnin' love...

[Morgan Dreadlocke]

Paging Aussie Bloke