Hello, (usually) friendly list moderator here. Just a point of clarification in that while U-A is primarily a forum for discussing astronomy, it was informally agreed here a while back that any science could be discussed here. So, the current global warming thread is ok. Heck, we've even talked creationism here (hmmm, maybe it's deity that's creating the warming to get rid of the pesky humans.) Also, while I have your attention, I'll note that while the majority of those on the list get every message as it comes out there are still a few who receive the digest version. So please folks, especially for those still on the digest version, when you reply to a post on U-A please remove as much stuff as possible from the previous post. Otherwise the Digesters will continue to receive messages that are several pages long. And to the Digesters, it would be handy if when replying to a digest you change the subject to something relevant rather than sticking with the standard "Utah-Astronomy Digest, Vol XX, Issue YY" the list automatically puts in the Subject box. Climbing down off my soapbox, patrick

Right! And thanks. The burden that amateur astronomers must bare it to be current content experts for the lay public to bounce questions off of. So I think its unnecessary to apologize for a spirited discussion about the impacts of the most important star in our known universe (Earthling bias of course) and how it may or may not be impacting the only planet that really matter to us. I suppose to straying into the discussion about big oil might be a bit of a red herring but that will be of course the very next question a lay person might have after asking about our Sun and global warming -- hard to be scientific about politics and economics but as long as we explain that we are venturing away from science and now into the relm of opinion than I think it's righteous, if for no other reason than we are being invited to respond. My personal opinion is that people are trying to find places to stick their heads in the sand on this issue. I feel it is my responsibility to take away the sand.... When there's no place left to hide then we can finally start saving this otherwise wonderful planet. - kev On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 7:56 PM, <stormcrow60@xmission.com> wrote:

Hi Kevin, Bravo! Now that is data that one can sink their teeth into. It is better then the link I was going to provide to the documentary about global warming. But since I am not able to find it, and your provided data is much more in depth, I will take it and run with it. That being said, I am bowing out of this debate. Although I enjoyed it quite a bit, this is an astronomy blog and I understand others on this list may be getting frustrated. Nevertheless, I am always ready to participate in any discussions that may find their way on this blog, be they astronmical or not. Thanks everyone for their opinions and input.

Jon

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-- By the 3rd millennium, the reckless use of light nearly vanquished the night. A formidable few rushed to defend the last sanctuaries of natural darkness.

From the national parks, armed with science, mythology and a love for all things nocturnal came warrior poets who pushed back against the light. They were called Dark Rangers, and no one knew their names. . .

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