Posted on 08/27/2004 7:26:04 AM PDT by Loyalist
If Uranus seems closer this evening, it is. Today, the planet (its name is pronounced you-rah-nus) is at its closest point to Earth, only 1.77 billion miles away -- 19 times the distance from the Earth to the sun. Patient people with binoculars can find this blue-green world in Aquarius. Some notes:
Once you know which dot of light is Uranus, you might be able to find it with your eyes alone -- but only if you have excellent vision and a clear, dark sky away from city light pollution, says Newsday. Next week, once the moon is out of the way, give it a shot.
In 1781, Sir William Herschel discovered Uranus and named it Georgium Sidus (George's Star) in honour of George III. The French preferred to call the planet Herschel. German astronomer, Johann Bode, Herschel's contemporary, proposed that the mythological associations of the outer planets be continued by naming it Uranus, after the grandfather of Zeus.
At the time of Sir William's discovery, several northern constellations had names that might be associated with politicians or rulers: Gloria Fredrici (the sceptre of Fredrick the Great) and Globus Aerostaticus (the hot-air balloon).
Isn't that what they're calling the Protologist's convention this year?
Bookmarked for the inevitable jokes...
Probably cracked up Herschal and Bode too "Uranus? Thy anus, you rogue!"
The name of my first rock band (60s) was "Uranus & the 4 Moons."
Is that the one with the rings?
I know people who can't find it with a map, both hands and a guide dog. Others have there head there.
John Kerry's proctoligist called they found his brain
THIS is an excellent Friday post. Thanks!
Please keep Uranus away from me.
Thank you.
Kerry is getting closer??
And all these years John thought it was a hemorrhoid.
You know, Alan and I were recently speaking of
dying. Told me Boyd Aviation took out a lot of
insurance on him. You must have to be in some kind
of perfect health to get that kind of policy.
DR. DOLEN
Bend over and drop your pants, Mr. Babar.
FLETCH
Oh really, there's no need to --
we don't want to do that....
DR. DOLEN
Just relax....
FLETCH
Honest, I feel fine. You better be married.
Fletch looks alarmed as Dolan pushes him into position. Dolan puts on a plastic glove.
53 CLOSE - FLETCH
FLETCH
Did I say 'kidneys'? I meant my ear. Maybe I
should see an ear dahhh --
(as Dolan starts to probe from behind)
Ever serve time?
DR. DOLEN
Breathe easy....
FLETCH
Anyway, I'm surprised Alan got the policy so easily.
I know there's a history of cancer in the family.
DR. DOLEN
(noncommittally)
There is?
FLETCH
Whoa, look out there. You really need the whole fist?
DR. DOLEN
Just relax.
FLETCH
(reacts to a poke)
Gee, Alan's been looking kind of sick lately.
Is he all right?
DR. DOLEN
I can't discuss another patient. You know that.
(rising into frame and washing up)
Well, I can't find anything wrong with you.
FLETCH
I'm sure it's not for a lack of looking. Maybe
I should get a real complete physical. You give
Alan an annual, don't you?
DUCK!
I think that's what they call the Homecoming Dance in Provincetown.
Is this more jokes on the kerry NASA photo? He looked like he was traveling through Uranus (or anyone's anus).
Blame can largely rest on the fact that Bush didn't sign up to the Kyoto treaty.
To Whom It May Concern: Keep Uranus away from me.
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