Galactic Tsunami?

[dmill1220]

Hi folks,
I was recently on another forum and, I happened to stumble on a post regarding our Orbital Galactic Oscillations thru our Galactic plane.

The theory implies that when we enter the Galactic Plane in 2012, we will expierence a gravitational tsunami, another Doomsday scenario!

one theory that I heard is that the gravitational effects on our Oort cloud and K belt systems will send objects careening into our solar system and wreaking havoc on Planet Earth.

The way I see it, this whole galactic tsunami theory, and I emphasize THEORY,
Is purely Hypothetical in general and, more sensationalism than anything else.
Why do I say this?

The Earth has oscillated thru our Galactic plane since life first took hold on our planet, the Paleo record also speaks for itself, If this supposedly Doomsday Tsunami is a fact, then we would see a lot of evidence in the Paleological record or, Geological record from all the past times we entered the galactic plane.

So in other words we should see mass extinction events or major Geologic changes that are timed with every cycle of galactic oscillation

while the theory of gravitational perturbations to our Oort Cloud or the K
Belt, while we enter the galactic plane, in my mind does seem to hold merit, the mass extinction events that this Theory implies has not been proven by a direct connection with the Paleo or, Geological record

any thoughts out there concerning this Scenario?

Dennis

[stuart]

First off, how did they determine it will happen in 2012? It's not like the galactic plane is paper-thin and we just go through it in a second -- it's quite thick and takes hundreds if not thousands of years. Other than that, I'm actually not sure where we are relative to the galactic plane right now and so I can't directly answer my own question.

As far as the other stuff is concernced, I think it's more that passing through a denser part of the Galaxy means that there's more of a chance of a close encounter with another star, which can then perturb comets towards us, which would again take thousands to millions of years to then get to Earth.

So besides the time involved and some of the reasoning, I'd say this idea holds water.

[dmill1220]

Hi Stuart
It is an intriguing subject, and it does seem to make sense.
I cant remember where I found the article on how they have determined our Position and the Oscillations.
I do remember though, that Our solar system lies generaly above the Galactic plane and Oscillates up and down through the dense portion of the galactic plane with a specific period of around 26 million years to 35 million years For some reason or another there are two different estimates.

Check out this link at Wiki, it seems that a correlation between Extinction events and the Cycles are disputed and are not in sync with the Paleo record.
It only seems reasonable that since life has been here,and has survived previous oscillations from this Theory of cyclic impact events, the hypothesis is in question.
Here is the Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemesis_%28star%29
Nevertheless

[dmill1220]

Stuart,
I have been enlightend to a new theory that a very knowledgeable member of another forum has developed, which seems to indicate a correlation with the Z oscillation and the gelogical record.
It has to do with the crossing of our system thru the galactic arms and not so much the plane of the galaxy.

He calls it the GGIT theory (Galactic Geological Interval theory), his work and research has made me re-think the whole scenario, It makes for a long read, but the tenacity and quality of his research is outstanding in my view.
to be quite honest its hard to ignore, you may want to check out the whole thread, it has not only changed my mind but it has totally brought in a new perspective regarding this subject.
He has also posted some of his intial work in the Baut forum and has been recieved quite well. the complete thread can be found here, http://www.astronomy.com/ASY/CS/foru...st.aspx#262595

Its very interesting indeed!
Dennis