Inaccuracy in reporting astronomy and science Options

[ngunn]

The word is a relic of British social attitudes in the mid twentieth century. The ruling elite was educated almost exclusively in private schools each of which had its own peculiar schoolboy slang. Science was not among the branches of learning most highly valued in these institutions. Nevertheless the second world war and the new world it ushered in required people who could break a code or build a radar. The classically educated toffs (now there's another one) needed a handy word for these fixers.

[stevesliva]

While it would seem the exact etymology is different (From the Eton, boffin, meaning vocational loser) the social attitudes aren't that different... as Doug pointed out, we've got "geek."

[tedstryk]

This requires reinterpretation of so many conversations I've had and things I've read.

[Stu]

In an effort to help settle this very debate, the IAU recently held a conference to discuss adopting an official classification. Here's what they came up with:

[gwiz]

Here's a book that might help clarify matters:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Backroom-Boys-Secr...0420&sr=8-1

Covers a variety of topics including the UK space programme.

[Decepticon]

Since Betelgeuse has been brought up, does anyone know the correct way of saying "Betelgeuse"

I get irritated when its pronounced "beetlejuice".

My understanding is Belt-ta-gus. Am I wrong?!

[Stu]

I usually call it "Beetlejuice" Habit.

Also heard it pronounced as "Bett-ell-gurz" and even "Beetlejuicy". Which is just... wrong.

[nprev]

Good question, Decep. I've never known, either.

Stu:

[Mongo]

Well, the first European version of the Arabic name yad al-jawz’ is the French Bételgeuse, pronounced Bay-tell-goose

[helvick]

I'm not really bothered by the various Betelgeuse pronunciations that I've heard but I've never heard it pronounced "Belt - ta - gus", that really doesn't sound right to me.

I pronounce it with a shorter initial "e" sound (like Bet) and the final part like "jews".

[ElkGroveDan]

the IAU recently held a conference to discuss adopting an official classification. Here's what they came up with:

Win.

[Syrinx]

bettle-jews
--or--
beetle-jews

I think.

The info box at Wikipedia lists the pronunciations:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betelgeuse
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_English

[MahFL]

I just saw this headline from the AP.

"NASA: Mars rover, phone home after yearlong sleep."

And no she did not phone.....

Grrrr.

[nprev]

(sigh)...prepare for bizarre questions about Mars & nuclear explosions from friends, family & neighbors, all. This is wrong on so many levels I don't wanna even think about it, but of course it's getting media coverage...Google News picked it up.

[Syrinx]

Well I'm glad I finally know why Mars is red!