No Astronomer

Think Earth has about had the biscuit? Think that maybe it's time for "Plan B"?

The owners of Google and Virgin agree with you. They have created a cooperative venture company - called "Virgle" - to create and establish a human colony on the planet Mars.

Now, maybe it's all an elaborate April Fool's joke, but it sure looks like they're serious. They have a "100-Year Plan" and will start the project in earnest by 2014.

But you can see their plans and apply to be a part of the project right now.

{Note: further research from Mark's Musingites reveal that this was, indeed, a very elaborate April Fool's Day prank from Google and Virgin Atlantic. -- MR}

+++

SIGNS YOU'RE NOT AN ASTRONOMER

You think...

...Aurora Borealis is the stage name for an exotic dancer.

...Betelgeuse is the stuff that's hard to squeegee off the window of your car.

...A gaseous prominence is Rush Limbaugh.

...Light pollution is a few old beer cans in the yard.

...Pluto is Mickey's sidekick.

...The Northern Lights are a brand of cigarette.

...A Solar Corona is a warm Mexican beer.

...A neutron is a fig cookie.

...A light year is 12 months when you're short on cash.

...Solar wind is what Uncle Leo had after Thanksgiving last November.

[thanks to Andy Blackburn's collection from astronomy newsgroups]

+++

WONDER for YOUR WEEK: If they find life on Mars, will it taste like chicken, too?

+++

Mark's Musings is available each weekday via email. Blast off with your own subscription for free by clicking here.