• DECEMBER 21, 2012: the end of the sophisticated Long Count Caleldar created by the ancient Maya in Central America. Countless books and websites, magazine articles and newspaper headlines debate its meaning, with enthusiasts in two camps: Those forecasting apocalypse – the end of time – and those who see a coming renewal, a rebirth of consciousness. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES

Product Description
December 21, 2012: the end date of the sophisticated Long Count Calendar created by the ancient Maya in central America. Countless books and websites, magazine articles and newspaper headlines debate its meaning, with enthusiasts in two camps: those forecasting apocalypse the end of time and those who see a coming renewal, a rebirth of consciousness.

Adding fuel to the debate, some scientists see the increasing number of natural disasters in recent years as … More >>

2012: Science Or Superstition

• ISBN13: 9780231142809
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

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Whether depicting humans battling aliens or a brave geologist saving lives as a volcano erupts, science-fiction films are an exciting visual and sensuous introduction to the workings of science and technology. These films explore a range of complex topics in vivid and accessible ways, from space travel and laser technology to genetic engineering, global warming, and the consequences of nuclear weaponry. Though actual scientific lab work might not be as exciting, sci… More >>

Hollywood Science: Movies, Science, and the End of the World

If there is one day that the entire mankind is eagerly waiting for, then it has to be 21st December 2012. If there is something that many of the major religions have in common then it must be on December 2012 Doomsday predictions. Almost every major religious text has got references to this being the time when major changes could occur in our planet. Among all the references, perhaps the most significant and well known is the prediction of December 2012 Doomsday by the Mayan Calendar. According to the world will enter a new age on the particular date. With the Mayans civilization being extremely knowledgeable in both astronomy and mathematics, the prediction has generated lot of interest around the world.  Let us take a look at 4 top reasons why the December 21st, 2012 is so important.

1. The Mayans were extremely skilled in creating mathematical and astrological apparatus and they created their calendar 3,500 years ago. The calendar clearly mentions that there would be major changes that would take place in the world, come December 2012 Doomsday.

2. There are many among the scientific community who believe that due to global warming, solar storms would be entering the earth in large quantities by 2012 and this could trigger off a series of catastrophes. This is how they feel that the Mayan December 2012 Doomsday prediction would ultimately destroy all life on earth. 3.    There are many geologists who believe that there could be major volcanic eruptions around the world in 2012. This is being equated with the December 2012 Doomsday prediction and being seen as one of the ways that the world will be destroyed, if it were to occur. 4.    A vast majority of people who believe in the Mayan Calendar predict that there could be mass destruction of life on earth in the year 2012 because of the shift of earth’s two poles.

The average solar cycle lasts for eleven years. The cycle includes a minimum of solar activity and a maximum. The sun is unusually quiet right now and has been for some time but there should be an increase in solar activity at some point in the near future.

The best current scientific estimate for the next solar maximum is 2012. If this estimate is correct, there is still a few years to try and prevent the potential of a future global disaster. A disaster that would begin on the surface of the sun and could end with tragedy on earth.

The surface of the sun is a mass of plasma that contains highly charged energy particles. Once in a while, some of these particles escape the suns surface and a mass of plasma travels through space on the solar wind. This process is known in scientific terms as a coronal mass ejection but it can also be called a solar storm.

A disaster for the planet would occur if a solar storm reaches and hits the earths magnetic shield in just the right way. If it were to happen, millions of people would lose their lives and the planet would be thrown into chaos as the technology that has become crucial to every day living suddenly gets taken away.

The perfect solar storm will start with skies that will be filled with a bright red aurora. However, soon everything will become dark as every electric bulb becomes devoid of light. The storms damage to the electric grid would be caused through an increased DC current. The runaway current would knock out and melt hundreds of key transformers within minutes, cutting off power for hundreds of millions of people.

Those damaged transformers cannot be repaired only replaced and installing a replacement takes a well-trained crew a week or more. Its incredible to consider that most major electrical utilities have just one or two suitably trained crews available for these type of transformer repairs. In addition, there are only a few spare transformers available and the rest would have to be built to order. Its a process that can take nearly twelve months.

So, the power blackout from the perfect solar storm would last for months but its not just the absence of light that would be the problem. Drinking water would still come through the taps for maybe half a day after the storm. With no electricity to pump water from reservoirs, there would be no more tap water after that.

The electric grid is necessary for almost all natural gas and fuel pipelines to operate. As a result, fuel and natural gas will quickly run out and without food delivery, supermarket shelves would soon become bare. Soon it would become necessary to control public hysteria and the military would have to be called in to restore civil order

There will be no power for heat, cooling or refrigeration until the grid is repaired and after their back up generators run out, hospitals will not be able to provide modern healthcare. A lack of water and food will result in spreading disease but Pharmaceutical companies without electricity will not be able to produce the necessary medicine.

Of course, many will say that this is absurd science fiction and it cannot happen here, but this chilling disaster scenario was outlined in a report released last January (funded by NASA) by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

The fact is that a storm from the sun did hit the earth’s magnetic field in 1859. The effect of this solar storm on earth became known as the Carrington Event. The event was named after the amateur astronomer who observed two patches of intensely bright and white light emanating from a large group of sunspots that may have produced the event.

The solar storm that produced the Carrington Event created a red aurora across the planet from the poles to the tropics. Throughout the world, telegraph systems crashed, machines burst into flames, and electric shocks rendered operators unconscious. Compasses and other sensitive instruments reeled as if struck by a massive magnetic fist.  It can happen again and the technology of the planet is now much more advanced and vulnerable.

The next solar maximum is estimated to return in about three years. A global disaster from the perfect solar storm can be prevented with proper contingency planning. There is still time for the government to be proactive and prepare to avoid disaster by creating a potential response to quickly repair the damage to the electric grid from the perfect solar storm.

Review”An entertaining, maybe indispensable guide for film buffs everywhere.” — Booklist”"A grand roundup of technical movie masterpieces… praising scientific accuracy (A Beautiful Mind) and exposing turkeys (Volcano).” — Los Angeles Magazine”An engaging and fun read.” — Claude Lalumière, Locus” Hollywood Science is great fun… I give it two thumbs up!” — David Schneider, American Scientist”A fascinating read that will have you heading to your local DVD store.” — Physi (more…)