Читать книгу Universe: The story of the Universe, from earliest times to our continuing discoveries - Peter Grego - Страница 38

Of course, not everything in the heavens can be predicted. Even these days, bright novae or supernovae (stars which temporarily brighten far beyond their ordinary brightness), bright comets, fireballs (brilliant meteors) or aurorae (displays of the northern/southern lights) often take astronomers by complete surprise. Although such sights can be awesome to behold, we know how these phenomena are caused and realise that, for the most part, they pose no threat to the Earth or its inhabitants. Only a few hundred years ago, things were very different, and a bright comet might have been regarded as an omen of impending change on the Earth – of natural catastrophe, famine, pestilence, war or a change of ruler.

Astrology may look glamorous, but it is as insubstantial as the paper its predictions are written on.