Expert: Ed - 1/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have been trying to investigate some of the claims made by the proponents of a Climactic Cosmological Event coming in 2012.  Many of their claims are based on so-called unique astronomical alignments that will appear.  I downloaded a free astronomy program called "Celestia" which was very helpful for planetary alignments, but it doesn't include certain other alignments that I need.  For example, many claims are made for the alignment of our Solar System with the Galactic Plane and the Galactic Center.  Also for the position of the Solar System within its oscillating orbital pattern above/below the Galactic Plane.  My question is:  Could you recommend a good, preferably free, software program that would show these alignments?  Your time is appreciated - thank you.


ANSWER: Bearman, sorry I'm so late getting back to you.  I needed to visit my sister in the hospital.

You're wasting you time with this stuff.  No real astronomer takes it seriously.  The whole business about Mayan prophecies coming true in 2012 is just a lot of hooey.  It's not QUITE a cult, but in my view, it's really, really close.  Ask any other expert on this service, and I think they'll all tell you the same thing.

If you want something to worry about, I'd stick with the economy, global warming, bird flu, or nuclear proliferation.

Best,
--Ed

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Ed.

While I am not a believer in the 2012 doomsday scenarios, many people are, including someone close to me.  As you, I believe they should be spending their time on real-life concerns, and I am trying to put together some evidence/data that shows that 2012 is the hooey that you and I believe it to be.  I think any issue that is believed by a significant number of people is worthy of investigation, if only to disprove it and encourage people to get on with things that matter.  So far I have found planetary alignments that contradict 2012er's statements, and I would also still like to investigate the other alignments I mentioned in my original question.  So again, if you could assist me with this I'd really appreciate it.

Answer
hello,
I'm sorry if I was too dismissive.  I think you agree that my intentions were good, but I still should have given a better answer.

This discussion is interesting to me:
http://www.earthsky.org/faq/will-earth-pass-through-galactic-plane-in-2012

scroll down to near the bottom of that webpage, and look at the comments by Bruce McClure.  They are the most helpful, I think.

As for your specific question, I am hunting around online...  This looks promising to me.  It seems to be free.
http://www.ras.ucalgary.ca/CGPS/vis/

Maybe you could contact Richard Gooch, on the CGPS webpage?  He seems to be a specialist in this kind of data.

I hope this gets you going.  Please let me know if I can do anything more.

Keep Looking Up,
-Ed