NASA Scientist Studies Whether Solar Storms Cause Animal Beachings

NASA ^ | 2/2/17 | Lori Keesey

[pa_dweller]

The team expects to complete the study by the end of September and publish its findings in a scientific, peer-reviewed journal. Should the study reveal a statistical correlation, team members said the results won’t necessarily imply a causal link. However, it would provide the first thorough research into this hypothesis and offer the first step toward determining if it’s correct.

[pa_dweller]

It would be interesting if they could shed some light (no pun intended) on this strange, self-destructive behavior.

[rktman]

Russians. Again.

[rktman]

Oh, or Trump winning. Just about anything catastrophic will be Trump’s fault.

[rightwingcrazy]

I think they may have meant to say “anthropomorphic solar storms”. But Obama’s no longer in charge, so maybe not.

[Larry - Moe and Curly]

Is NASA using tax dollars for this? If so, STOP IT!

If not, carry on.

[RayChuang88]

Shouldn't this be obvious? Solar storms affect the Earth's magnetic field, and given many animals navigate based on the direction of magnetic North, that might explain during periods of solar maximum animals navigate in very strange ways at times.

[butlerweave]

NASA Scientist Studies Whether Solar Storms Cause the Left-Wing to go nuts

[zek157]

There could be a link if these animals use magnetic fields in any way. Otherwise, I doubt there’s a link.

I would think migratory birds could be affected.

[pa_dweller]

It seems obvious today with our knowledge of the sun. One hundred years ago? Probably not so much. Anyway, the purpose of science is to know for sure (to the extent we're able) rather than assume. Even though I doubt anything can be done to dissuade the cetaceans from beaching themselves now and again, it could be useful to know exactly what's going on.

Besides, there's the serendipity factor. We may well learn something important that's entirely unrelated to this study.

[SpaceBar]

If NASA has a budget to study whale beachings then they are overfunded. Period.

[Kozy]

Actually I like this study. Sure beats what direction, north, south, east or west is the male rattlesnake head when copulating. Once completed then we can explore the corollary that solar storms have a greater effect by a factor of 100. Great.

[minnesota_bound]

#6 They are Sun drunk.

[pas]

Shallow water causes all the beachings.

[Tallguy]

Ok. We can close this thread now! Nobody will top that response! LOL!

[pa_dweller]

LOL!

[Texas Songwriter]

Keep that grant money flowing.