PHILIP PLAIT TO DISCUSS “BAD ASTRONOMY” AT ADRIAN COLLEGE CONVOCATION posted 2/2/06

Dr. Philip Plait is scheduled to speak in Dawson Auditorium on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 12:15 p.m. as part of the Convocation speaker series. His speech is entitled “Mars Attacks!”

Plait currently works in the physics and astronomy department at Sonoma State University in California. He received his doctorate in astronomy at the University of Virginia. He is currently the research manager for the GLAST EPO Team at NASA. This program is trying to increase and improve science programs in K-12schools, with an emphasis on high school science curriculums, through TV, websites, brochures and ambassador teachers.

Plait has published a book entitled “Bad Astronomy” in which he debunks misconceptions. Two of his most popular examples include the misuse of astrology and the moon landing “hoax.” He uses scientific facts and experiments to prove his theories.

He also maintains a website, www.badastronomy.com. Plait frequently appears on the radio program “Coast to Coast.” In addition he writes monthly columns for a German newspaper and www.astronomy.com. Much of his work has been featured in “Encyclopedia Britannica Yearbook of Science” and in astrological magazines.

During the Adrian College convocation, Plait will discuss the “Mars Attacks!” hoax. In a recent scare, mass emails were sent out declaring that on Aug. 27, Mars would be as large as the moon. Plait states that the email was just a big scare based on no factual information.

Dawson Auditorium is located off of Charles Street on the Adrian College campus. This event is free and open to the public. (campus map)