Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt - The Electronic Edition
Issue: January 1995
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Content Focus: Skepticism, critical thinking, astronomy, cosmology, and related events.

Feature Presentation: Exploding Planets and Non-Exploding Universes

This section features Dr. Tom Van Flandern of Meta Research, who discusses the critical importance of teaching critical thinking and applying the Scientific Method rigorously. He argues that mainstream science, particularly in astronomy, often fails to adhere strictly to these principles, allowing favored paradigms to persist beyond their scientific validity. Van Flandern uses two examples: the exploded planet hypothesis, which he suggests could replace current models for the origin of small solar system bodies, and the Big Bang theory, the cornerstone of modern cosmology.

He posits that a vested interest in popular paradigms creates a conflict of interest for scientists, leading to a societal deficit in critical thinking and an excess of credulity. Van Flandern's own work, including his 1993 book 'Dark Matter, Missing Planets and New Comets,' challenges standard astronomical models such as the Oort Cloud, the Dirty Snowball hypothesis, and the Big Bang theory.

About the Speaker: Dr. Tom Van Flandern

Dr. Van Flandern earned his Ph.D. in Astronomy from Yale University in 1969. He dedicated 20 years to the US Naval Observatory, rising to become Chief of the Celestial Mechanics Branch. He subsequently founded Meta Research, a Washington D.C.-based organization dedicated to supporting research that deviates from mainstream astronomical theories. He also holds a position as a Research Associate at the University of Maryland.

Van Flandern also led the Eclipse Edge Expedition in November 1994 to observe a total solar eclipse in northern Chile. His contributions have been recognized with a prize from the Gravity Research Foundation. He has also served on the Council of the American Astronomical Society's Division on Dynamical Astronomy, taught astronomy at the University of South Florida and the Navy Department, consulted for NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, and appeared on public television's 'Project Universe' series.

NCAS Events

January 21st Meeting

The NCAS held a meeting on Saturday, January 21st, at 2 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Library (8005 Connecticut Ave). The event was free and open to the public. For further information, attendees were directed to call the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827.

March 18th Presentation

Dr. Robert Park, a physicist known for his 'What's New' column for the American Physical Society (APS), is scheduled to present on March 18th. His talk is titled "Pigs Don't Have Wings: Scientists Who Fool Themselves." He will also participate in an invited session at the upcoming March APS meeting, themed "Alternative Science: Foolish, Fraudulent and Phobic," alongside James Randi and Hal Lewis. This event will also take place at the Chevy Chase Library at 2 p.m.

February Workshop

A workshop titled "Why & Why Not: Science, Skepticism and Critical Thinking, A Workshop for Parents and Teachers" was scheduled to be held in Front Royal, VA, on February 18-19, 1995. Registration forms were being mailed to NCAS members. For more details, the NCAS Skeptic Line at (301) 587-3827 was provided.

Other Events of Interest

National Center for Homeopathy

NCAS members were informed of the 21st Annual Meeting of the National Center for Homeopathy, taking place from April 7-10, 1995, at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD. Contact information for the National Center for Homeopathy was provided.

Conference on Personal Survival of Bodily Death

A Conference on Personal Survival of Bodily Death was scheduled for May 21-23, 1995, at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. Information could be obtained by contacting the Academy of Religion and Psychical Research in Bloomfield, CT.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the promotion of scientific skepticism and critical thinking. The National Capital Area Skeptics, through their publication and events, advocate for rigorous application of the Scientific Method and challenge what they perceive as uncritical acceptance of established scientific paradigms. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of questioning established theories and promoting a more scientifically discerning public discourse.