This throws up some interesting questions. Why would extraterrestrials warn us of something that lies a mere week in the future, so that a) it will become self-evident before the news of the warning has spread around the world, and that b) is something we can't do anything about and can't really shield against so knowing about it in advance doesn't really change anything. This might have been fascinating information if it had been given, say, five years ago, when our understanding of the solar cycle was a different one.
And the other question is what shall our reply be? So someone with superior knowledge tells us about pretty uninteresting astronomical facts a week in advance. What say the etiquette books should one answer back? Since we don't know their home planet, do we just answer with more facts about this solar system? Do we illustrate, say, mathematical principles? Base ten, pi, that sort of thing? And are there any cosmic resonances that make certain crops more suited to this than others? Will the meaning change if we plant something rather than flattening cereals?
And could it be that in gardens all over the planet, gardeners planting ornamental flower beds have been saying Very Rude Things to the universe?
Mission Statement
Reading, writing, plant photography, and the small details of my life, with digressions into science and computing.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-07-07 08:43 am (UTC)This might have been fascinating information if it had been given, say, five years ago, when our understanding of the solar cycle was a different one.
And the other question is what shall our reply be? So someone with superior knowledge tells us about pretty uninteresting astronomical facts a week in advance. What say the etiquette books should one answer back? Since we don't know their home planet, do we just answer with more facts about this solar system? Do we illustrate, say, mathematical principles? Base ten, pi, that sort of thing? And are there any cosmic resonances that make certain crops more suited to this than others? Will the meaning change if we plant something rather than flattening cereals?
And could it be that in gardens all over the planet, gardeners planting ornamental flower beds have been saying Very Rude Things to the universe?