Science talk dismisses prophecies
Published on -1/20/2010, 12:49 PM
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By DAWNE LEIKER
Tuesday night's Science Cafe, "2012: End of Time," brought more than 50 people out of the bleak, drizzly night to enjoy a warm cup of Cafe Semolino coffee and a close look at some end-of-time prophecies.
The release of the movie "2012" has caused a resurgence of interest in apocalyptic lore. Paul Adams, Fort Hays State University professor, also credits pop literature of the 1970s with creating an interest in Mayan end-of-world prophecy.
However, Adams -- speaking to the group from Topeka via Skype -- said if one looks at time from a scientific standpoint, "there is no real demarcation of when time ends."
Megan Adams, the professor's daughter, presented a slideshow that illustrated four different theories some groups have embraced to suggest a 2012 doomsday:
* The end of the Mayan calendar
* The alignment of the solar system
* Collision with the planet Nibiru
* Lethal solar flares
She showed scientific evidence that refuted the validity of those four theories as related to the end of the world. There is harm, she said, in accepting belief systems that have "no factual basis."
People that embrace end-of-the world philosophies might try to take steps to avoid the disaster through self-destructive behavior. Acceptance of these philosophies also might make it easier for "charlatans selling survival gear" to play upon people's emotions and make big profits, she said.
"I turn 21 Dec. 22, 2012," Megan said. "So the world had better not end."
* The next Science Cafe is at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Cafe Semolino. "SuperDARN Radar: Antennae and Aurora" will be the topic.
