Comments on: How to How To Kill A Planet http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/ I am an astronomer, writer, and skeptic. I likes reality the way it is, and I aims to keep it that way. My real name is Phil Plait, and I run the Bad Astronomy blog. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:31:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Lauren http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-179232 Lauren Sat, 02 May 2009 17:02:11 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-179232 Yay, I finally got to this on my DVR! I'd "taped" it even before I knew the revered Dr. Plait would be on it so it was a happy bonus. Bonus! I said bonus! Hooray for science and smart people and explosions! Yay, I finally got to this on my DVR! I’d “taped” it even before I knew the revered Dr. Plait would be on it so it was a happy bonus. Bonus! I said bonus!
Hooray for science and smart people and explosions!

]]> By: ROBERT(CORPUS CHRISTI,TEXAS http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-179044 ROBERT(CORPUS CHRISTI,TEXAS Fri, 01 May 2009 20:44:39 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-179044 THE BLACK HOLE IS VERY INTERESTING I THINK IN 10 YEARS WE WILL HAVE THE PROPER TECHNOLOGY TO MOVE A BLACK HOLE!!!!!!!! THE BLACK HOLE IS VERY INTERESTING I THINK IN 10 YEARS WE WILL HAVE THE PROPER TECHNOLOGY TO MOVE A BLACK HOLE!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Charlie in Dayton http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-178156 Charlie in Dayton Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:52:16 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-178156 Ahhh....high explosives, firearms, and astronomy... Phil, you're invited along the next time my two younger brothers and I go into the high country west of Flagstaff on vacation...you bring the bombs and the H&K, we'll bring the sidearms, ammo, and adult beverage for a post-Armageddon libation... Ahhh….high explosives, firearms, and astronomy…

Phil, you’re invited along the next time my two younger brothers and I go into the high country west of Flagstaff on vacation…you bring the bombs and the H&K, we’ll bring the sidearms, ammo, and adult beverage for a post-Armageddon libation…

]]> By: Chris http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-177374 Chris Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:40:46 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-177374 I'm watching the special now and I just have one question for you. What the heck is an astronmer? I know what an astronomer is but every time you are on screen, it says "Dr. Phil Plait, Astronmer and Author." That drives me a little crazy but I'm strange like that. Fascinating program though. I’m watching the special now and I just have one question for you. What the heck is an astronmer? I know what an astronomer is but every time you are on screen, it says “Dr. Phil Plait, Astronmer and Author.” That drives me a little crazy but I’m strange like that. Fascinating program though.

]]> By: Charlie Brown http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-177339 Charlie Brown Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:10:41 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-177339 Watching it now via TiVo. My first reaction: A silly program. A waste of time. Watching it now via TiVo. My first reaction: A silly program. A waste of time.

]]> By: TheGeek http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-177081 TheGeek Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:54:25 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-177081 Ahh destroying the planet is easy just got to hit it with a rock, something with a bit of heft to it. Say Mars. Ahh destroying the planet is easy just got to hit it with a rock, something with a bit of heft to it. Say Mars.

]]> By: The Chemist http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-177026 The Chemist Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:20:56 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-177026 Ah, the H&K MP5. The scientist's gun of choice. At least if you're Gordon Freeman. Ah, the H&K MP5. The scientist’s gun of choice. At least if you’re Gordon Freeman.

]]> By: AP http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176959 AP Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:02:50 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176959 Ok Phil - You holding the HK SMG - you should rename the blog - BADA** astronomy! Ok Phil – You holding the HK SMG – you should rename the blog – BADA** astronomy!

]]> By: Mount http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176938 Mount Sat, 25 Apr 2009 03:35:10 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176938 I saw the show, it was awesome. I was gonna say something about how you were holding that revolver Phil, but I knew it was too late due to TV lag. You should practice shooting more though. The glasses, the leather jacket, the black gun, it just looked so.... right! Trust me, it's a wonderfully fulfilling hobby to get into. Usually if you have someone with no interest in astronomy look through a telescope they suddenly become amazed, as if there eyes have just been opened. It's the same way with guns I think. Every "anti-gun" person I've ever taken shooting enjoyed it immensely, and some loved it so much that they immediately went out to buy their own. I liked the show, but one of your analogies could have been different I'm thinkin. With Niagara Falls, wouldn't the river bed be like warped space and the water be as matter falling down space into the black hole? Trivial maybe, but that would have made more sense to me. I saw the show, it was awesome.

I was gonna say something about how you were holding that revolver Phil, but I knew it was too late due to TV lag. You should practice shooting more though. The glasses, the leather jacket, the black gun, it just looked so…. right! Trust me, it’s a wonderfully fulfilling hobby to get into.

Usually if you have someone with no interest in astronomy look through a telescope they suddenly become amazed, as if there eyes have just been opened. It’s the same way with guns I think. Every “anti-gun” person I’ve ever taken shooting enjoyed it immensely, and some loved it so much that they immediately went out to buy their own.

I liked the show, but one of your analogies could have been different I’m thinkin. With Niagara Falls, wouldn’t the river bed be like warped space and the water be as matter falling down space into the black hole? Trivial maybe, but that would have made more sense to me.

]]> By: llewelly http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176936 llewelly Sat, 25 Apr 2009 03:07:03 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176936 # Quiet Desperation Says: April 24th, 2009 at 12:51 pm <blockquote> I find the series disappointing. I watched three episodes and never saw *one* naked person doing science. </blockquote> Please don't disturb the rest of us with your bizarre and unnatural nudity fetish. # Quiet Desperation Says:
April 24th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

I find the series disappointing. I watched three episodes and never saw *one* naked person doing science.

Please don’t disturb the rest of us with your bizarre and unnatural nudity fetish.

]]> By: Cindy http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176934 Cindy Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:48:03 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176934 Gee, Phil, and I thought you were such a gentle guy. ;-) Hmm, going to include that video clip of you firing a gun in your next telescope time proposal? Gee, Phil, and I thought you were such a gentle guy. ;-)

Hmm, going to include that video clip of you firing a gun in your next telescope time proposal?

]]> By: mandydax http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176925 mandydax Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:19:22 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176925 I saw this, and I heartily approve! I was surprised there was no mass driver, but I guess there was only time for the four methods. Excavate portions of the planet and use mass drivers (rail guns) to fire them at greater than escape velocity opposite to the direction of the earth's revolution. This not only slowly decreases the mass of the planet, but due to the reactionary force of driving that mass off, the orbital velocity decreases, spiraling it inwards towards the sun. Actually, it could probably be arranged so that these chunks could be made into your conveyor belt. Muahahaha! I saw this, and I heartily approve!

I was surprised there was no mass driver, but I guess there was only time for the four methods. Excavate portions of the planet and use mass drivers (rail guns) to fire them at greater than escape velocity opposite to the direction of the earth’s revolution. This not only slowly decreases the mass of the planet, but due to the reactionary force of driving that mass off, the orbital velocity decreases, spiraling it inwards towards the sun. Actually, it could probably be arranged so that these chunks could be made into your conveyor belt. Muahahaha!

]]> By: Trucker Doug http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176902 Trucker Doug Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:35:29 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176902 Phil, trying moving your hand on the foregrip forward a little and seat the buttstock more firmly in your shoulder. Also, put your left foot forward a little. These changes will provide a more stable shooting platform for you. Phil, trying moving your hand on the foregrip forward a little and seat the buttstock more firmly in your shoulder. Also, put your left foot forward a little. These changes will provide a more stable shooting platform for you.

]]> By: MadScientist http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176874 MadScientist Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:29:09 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176874 Sounds like fun - but I'll have to say I'm glad I wasn't there. Looking at the way folks are holding guns I'd say no one's ever used one before. I prefer to walk away from a firing range with only the holes I had when I arrived. Yeah, explosives are fun, but I have to avoid them these days since I'm always being harassed at airports. Hanging around powder monkeys isn't what it used to be. Sounds like fun – but I’ll have to say I’m glad I wasn’t there. Looking at the way folks are holding guns I’d say no one’s ever used one before. I prefer to walk away from a firing range with only the holes I had when I arrived.

Yeah, explosives are fun, but I have to avoid them these days since I’m always being harassed at airports. Hanging around powder monkeys isn’t what it used to be.

]]> By: Torbjörn Larsson, OM http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176868 Torbjörn Larsson, OM Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:05:37 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176868 But with several known methods that's child's play. What I want to know is - how do you kill a sun? (For starters.) But with several known methods that’s child’s play.

What I want to know is – how do you kill a sun? (For starters.)

]]> By: Joe Meils http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176790 Joe Meils Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:10:24 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176790 I think Phil is starting to let his "Adam Savage- Man Crush" (TM) get the better of him... I think Phil is starting to let his “Adam Savage- Man Crush” (TM) get the better of him…

]]> By: Romeo Vitelli http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176786 Romeo Vitelli Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:07:05 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176786 Er, Phil. I know these antivaxxers have upset you and all but I don't think Homeland Security would appreciate your getting paramilitary on their asses. Er, Phil. I know these antivaxxers have upset you and all but I don’t think Homeland Security would appreciate your getting paramilitary on their asses.

]]> By: CryoTank http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176785 CryoTank Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:06:25 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176785 @QUASAR They don't give the big baddabooms to newbies. You have to work your way up level by level, collecting 57 million boom bricks like Super Mario. Then you get to play ;) @QUASAR

They don’t give the big baddabooms to newbies.
You have to work your way up level by level, collecting 57 million boom bricks like Super Mario. Then you get to play ;)

]]> By: CryoTank http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176782 CryoTank Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:59:28 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176782 Oh yeah! Blowing stuff up :))) I bet Phil with the MP5 was part of his Space Marines training *g* Oh yeah! Blowing stuff up :) ))
I bet Phil with the MP5 was part of his Space Marines training *g*

]]> By: QUASAR http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176751 QUASAR Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:17:37 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176751 That's pathetic! <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WwlNPhn64TA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WwlNPhn64TA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> That’s pathetic!

]]> By: Ken http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176749 Ken Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:15:08 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176749 When I saw the headline I thought it was another pro-Pluto polemic. When I saw the headline I thought it was another pro-Pluto polemic.

]]> By: Quiet Desperation http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176741 Quiet Desperation Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:51:18 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176741 I find the series disappointing. I watched three episodes and never saw *one* naked person doing science. I find the series disappointing. I watched three episodes and never saw *one* naked person doing science.

]]> By: elgarak http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176734 elgarak Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:36:22 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176734 BTW: Since I don't have cable TV, I was hoping to download this episode from iTunes. Any idea when it will show there? BTW: Since I don’t have cable TV, I was hoping to download this episode from iTunes. Any idea when it will show there?

]]> By: elgarak http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176733 elgarak Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:34:54 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176733 Woohoo! Three of my favorite things together: Explosions, my man-crush Phil Plait, and a Heckler & Koch MP5. Maybe there IS a god ... If not, there's a new trinity for you. Woohoo!

Three of my favorite things together:

Explosions, my man-crush Phil Plait, and a Heckler & Koch MP5.

Maybe there IS a god … If not, there’s a new trinity for you.

]]> By: Michael L http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-176713 Michael L Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:00:06 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/04/24/how-to-how-to-kill-a-planet/#comment-176713 I didn't see it, unfortunately. Did you mention anything about the dreaded Anti-Matter bomb? ;) I didn’t see it, unfortunately. Did you mention anything about the dreaded Anti-Matter bomb? ;)

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