Cosmic Howlers
December 2023

A RATHER EMPTY UNIVERSE

Since the estimated number of stars in the universe is 1 to the 20th power …  (New York Times, 1979 April 24)

Click to reveal the answer

In 1979, they probably meant 10 to the 20th power (ie 1 followed by 20 zeros).  Today, the number is estimated to be more like 10 to the 24th power.

 

NOT SO GOOD IN TIGHT CORNERS

… the problem of the globular dusters … (Solar System Today, I, 80, 1979)

Click to reveal the answer

That should read clusters, not dusters!

 

CONTINENTAL DRIFT

Tiangong-1, or “The Heavenly Palace”, is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere somewhere between the 43rd north and south parallels, roughly between the latitudes of London in Britain and Wellington in New Zealand, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).  (Daily Telegraph, 2018, March 28, p17)

Click to reveal the answer

The latitude of London is about 52 degrees north, so it is not in the 43rd parallel.

 

ALSO IN SPELLING

Order and choas in Stellar and Planetary Systems.  (Physics Today, 2005 April, p67)

Click to reveal the answer

A typo in the spelling of chaos.

 

FALSE DAWN

[Mercury] is the only planet where  the Sun rises twice a day.  (Metro 2005 June 27, p16)

Click to reveal the answer

By definition, a day starts with the rising of the Sun, so it can only rise once!