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