Article Archive for January 2010
Risky Drilling of the Phlegraean Fields
You may not have heard of the Phlegraean Fields (aka Campi Flegrei), but it’s the site of one of the largest supervolcanoes in (relatively) recent times. Erupting 200 cubic kilometres of magma 39,000 years ago, and still active, it is one of the potential candidates for a supervolcanic event in 2012.
Perhaps tempting fate, scientists are due to start drilling into this volcano right now. The reasoning is standard – drill a hole to take a look, and learn more about volcanoes.
But is it worth the risk?
“Under unfavourable conditions, contact of the drilling fluid with magma could be very dangerous,” says Ralf Büttner, a volcanologist at the University of Würzburg in Germany. “It is even theoretically conceivable that, ultimately, a major eruption could result.”
…The greatest risk would be if the drilling accidentally pierced a silica-rich magma chamber under high pressure, releasing trapped gases, saysVolker Dietrich, also of the University of …
Biblical scholar: Rapture on May 21, 2011
Interestingly, whereas the Bible Code book is all about encoded information in the Bible predicting events, this prophecy for the date of rapture holds no clues from the Bible except the (supposed) date of Christ’s death, and Harold Camping’s personal interpretation of certain words. Here is how he solved the puzzle:
By Camping’s understanding, the Bible was dictated by God and every word and number carries a spiritual significance. He noticed that particular numbers appeared in the Bible at the same time particular themes are discussed.
The number 5, Camping concluded, equals “atonement.” Ten is “completeness.” Seventeen means “heaven.” Camping patiently explained how he reached his conclusion for May 21, 2011.
“Christ hung on the cross April 1, 33 A.D.,” he began. “Now go to April 1 of 2011 A.D., and that’s 1,978 years.”
Camping then multiplied 1,978 by 365.2422 days – the number of days in each solar year, not to be confused …
Brace Yourself: 2012 Spams and Scams
Some people are so paranoid about 2012, they’ll latch on to anything that mentions the fateful year. They’ll buy every book (and ebook), and be likely candidates for any quick-fix survival project – regardless of how genuine it may be.
I’ll do my best to out the scams and endorse the reals deal – but please don’t blame me if I call one wrong.
Here’s one to kick things off!
Escape Earth 2012 – fortunately this is easy to judge as being a joke. The price is stupidly cheap, $12.49 for a place on a space ark. And if you look at the Disclaimer page, it says “This site was made to be a funny gag gift and should not be taken seriously. We cannot guarantee anyone’s survival from an apocalyptic event nor do we provide space travel to a new planet. This is a story we created to go along with our …
Taurids in 2012?
We can expect increased activity to start any year now, in October and November, especially. Atmospheric bursts are already happening. There were at least two in 2009. We had a few minor impacts last year, too. It will be newsworthy when one happens over a populated area.
Steve Pace’s article is not sensationalist – I’ve kinda quoted him out of context.
Regardless, if the 2012 culprit is one that falls from the skies, it could be a Taurid meteoroid. If/when these plentiful objects cross our path in a serious way, we could have an “annual global meteorite storm lasting over a hundred years“. Society would become divided: those who take their chances, and those that choose to / can afford to protect themselves (bunkers). Bombs from the sky at the same time every year could become as normal as tropical rainy seasons.
2012 Base Hits 500
I’ve not mentioned our directory of 2012-related sites for some time, so now that we have reached 500 listings, I figured I could.
Most of the sites have struck me as being worthy of listing, after finding them during my many hours of 2012 research. Others are surprises that were submitted. Regardless of how they are found, one thing is clear – the 2012 movement is growing rapidly.
Let me know if any quality 2012 sites aren’t yet listed at 2012 Base.
eBook review: 2012 Survival Guide
Conspiracy theories, earth changes, survival instructions – this eBook could have been excellent. It’s a shame that it fails to be excellent on several levels. English is clearly not the nameless author’s first language. The booklet is poorly written and has plenty of typos and layout mistakes. Ultimately it appears to be a rush job, that almost gives someone wishing to survive 2012 lots of good information, but ultimately gives the feeling they are merely regurgitating what they have read elsewhere – with no personal interest or insight.
The first section, dealing with the variety of ways TEOTWAWKI could occur, is just mish-mash of psuedo-knowledge. So is the small final section covering conspiracy theories.
Where this ebook does have value is the middle section, with details of survival items and strategies, such as:
CB & Ham radios, for if computers and phones stop working. (Unfortunately, while their reliance on batteries is pointed out, …
Cosmic Rays Reach Modern Era High
Within the “Space Age” (since the 1950s) this year marks the greatest intensity of cosmic rays reaching planet Earth. Not coincidentally, this year is also the lowest solar minimum of the period. Basically more solar activity means more solar wind which enhances the heliosphere, the Sun’s magnetic field that helps protect us.
It’s a double-edged sword; at one end of the scale we get more cosmic rays, which means greater levels of mutation (cosmic rays are responsible for roughly 50% of random genetic damage), and at the other end we get an increase in solar flares, which can cause us harm when aimed in our direction.
If we could choose, we’d like the sun to be average, always.
Post-2012 Gear: Adjustable Specs
I think in Australia the number of adults needing spectacles/contacts/laser is about 50%, which means for those like me who haven’t dared have laser surgery yet, after a 2012 cataclysm our contacts and specs will be very, very important to keep safe. Once they are gone/damaged, replacing them might be impossible.
Whether they are for personal use, or trade/barter, stocking up on adjustable specs might be a smart move. That’s right, adjustable:
They consist of clear membranes filled with silicon oil, protected by plastic discs. The wearer can adjust the amount of oil in the lenses using a dial fitted to a syringe on the arms of the glasses. Changing the amount of oil in the lenses changes their curvature, which alters their strength.
When someone has adjusted the lenses to suit their vision, the lenses are sealed with a valve and the syringes removed, giving near-instant glasses with no need for …
