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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Kenneth Brandt wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> ISEN,
> 
> Speaking from a small science center perspective, 
>I am frankly shocked and most anxious about the precedent 
 >that the Smithsonian has set here.  What happens when I have to
 >explain this set of notions (ID and the non-sequitors
 >being touted as 'evidence'?) to my audiences?  And what happens
 >when I have to stand firm based on what is 'the best information
 >we have', versus what has been implicitly inferred  endorsement
 >by one of the most respected science institutions on the planet?
 >What chance have I got?
> 
> Ken Brandt
> 
> Director of the Robeson Planetarium and Science Center
> JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador
> 
This is exactly what bothers me the most about this.
I realize the Smithsonian was tricked and signed a contract
they probably can't break.  But look at the potential
effects out here in the small and medium sized museums
where people are not going to afford us the prestige
of the Smithsonian.

And also:

 >Matthew White forwarded an article about the Smithsonian/ID debacle, 
 >where one of the creators of the film, "The Privileged Planet", had 
 >this to say:

============
 >      For example, the transparency of the atmosphere that allows 
 >people to see distant stars and galaxies is a result of the
 >high oxygen content of the atmosphere, a condition that
 >also is needed for complex life.
=============

 >Say what? Am I out to lunch here? Is nitrogen opaque?

 >Jonah Cohen
 >Outreach & Public Programs Manager
 >Science Center of Connecticut


Of course this is BS.  A planet like Mars has a lot less
percentage of oxygen in its atmosphere, but the atmosphere
is also a lot thinner.  It's the latter that would make
seeing the Universe easier on Mars.  If an oxygen
atmosphere is so great, why do we need orbiting
observatories like Hubble, Spitzer and Chandra
to get above that atmosphere?(g)
The point about eclipses being somewhat rare and
unique on Earth is correct.  But the atmosphere stuff
is way out to lunch.

Clear DARK Skies,

-- 
Jack Dunn
Mueller Planetarium - UNL

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