Geoff, here's a response to Readware's "asteroid implosion on Jupiter" comments, which merited a sharp rebuttal from an amateur astronomer who goes by the name "Mason." Post this to Readware on AOL if you like, but it needs an airing here.
Re: Readware's 3/15/98 comment on "Meteor Shower".
First of all, the "asteroid implosion" Readware describes as having taken place last year was nothing of the sort. It was a comet impact, and it took place in 1994. An "asteroid implosion" would involve a non-cometary body collapsing in upon itself. Nothing of the sort has ever been known to occur.
As to Readware's comment that "that asteroid implosion has completely changed the gravitational oscillation/pull of Jupiter on other orbits" is complete rubbish. The comet - not asteroid - which impacted Jupiter in 1994 (it was known as comet Shoemaker/Levy, after Eugene Shoemaker - may he Rest In Peace - and David Levy, the co-discoverers), not 1997, was of such miniscule mass compared to the planet Jupiter, that any perturbation of any body remotely within the gravitational sphere of influence of the planet would be undetectable.
I am surprised that Readware, whose posts regarding the satellite business are so erudite, could be capable of posting such vapid speculations on the celestial mechanics of cometary impacts. This stuff isn't even close to accurate. I am moved by this speculative
disinformation to question, now, other Readware pontifications. Really. This isn't worthy of the National Enquirer. |
