Why are so many people freaking out on simple astronomic findings?

The trend you see is real. Scientific illiteracy is a growing problem with a potentially serious impact on the survival of the human race.

Spreading incapacity for good listening and evaluation of facts, fear of the world as presented through scientific understanding (for example, the denial of evolution), and illiteracy in general are all the result of the "dumbing down" of the American people as part of the strategy of political conservatives to make the people easier to manage.

It is true that the general public were smarter and more sensible 50 years ago. We were sure we had ignorance and illiteracy under control in this country. Then came Billy Graham and 1,000 other babblemasters that stood to profit from people's vices and their stupidity. Along came Ronald Reagan, Ralph Reed, Pat Buchanan and the like, and we were back in a mess again.

The solution is to vote for intelligent candidates with a respect for democratic values in the area of knowledge and personal growth, as well as the introduction of progressive programs and improved education.

To get a head start, impeach Bush/Cheney and lock up Rove.

Two causes:

1) Due to the abysmal state of our educational system--especially in science/math--the majority of people have very little understanding of what these things are. Lime the poster I saw a while back who "read that a giant asteroid was going to destroy all life on earth in 2036." Poor guy was obviously scared--but if he'd even known enough to read the science correctly, he'd have known that (among otherthings) Apothos isn't all that big--it could wipe out a city with a direct hit, but no more--and the odds are thousands to one against it anyway.

2) A "culture of conspiracies" (speaking as a sociologist here). As a result of elements (largely on the far right) that have been consistantly promoting the idea that a) much of science is a 'conspiracy" (evolution, obviously, is the best-known example, but also global warming as a "liberal conspiracy). Added to this is the effort (from the same people) to attempt to resolve scientific questions via political means (e.g. Bush's censorship of climate change research). Consequently, people regard scientists as a sort of mysterious "Illuminati" who make pronouncements based on some unknown agenda--and that's very frightening to some people.

Gee, let them be impressed. Most astronomers today say they got excited about space learning from the news of their day. People are smart enough to separate the hype of newscasters screwing with ratings and real news. Kids especially need something to be excited about. Constant barrage of noise from TV and video games make them so jaded, it is hard to get them thrilled with their own world and their own spot in the universe. You question reflects a little of that. Yet I can tell, you are turning on that filter that will help you separate hype's chaff from grains of truth. Thanks for asking

Well not really stupid , but people who tell tales of those are usually smart , look the world could end anyday , tonight , in 5 years or tomorrow , look like i said , this nibiru planet will reach earth in 5 years blablabla , of course its scary , but ive done so much research allready , and it is in fact 80% true

the 20% percent , well you gotta see it for yourself

People are freaking out because they think the end is near and they can't exactly figure out how! So, blame it on outer space....Black holes, asteroids, whatever they don't know about....or know and not accept. It's like the little chicken running around "The sky is falling" !!!!

the real world for these people does not even exist out in the real world. in the real world, other people wouldn't even give these other people the time of day. the real world for these people is on the Internet, where they can ask questions and real people like you and me can answer their stupid questions.

Why do they freak out...

Most dont really, but its mass media who likes to make it seem that way.

Take CNN...they really like to push the envelope on such things.

Why? Now thats the big question...things that make you go hmm.

And you thought GWB wanted to scare your pants off.

no one is freaking out over the discovery of black whole, i don't know if you did. they were just astonished by the existence of such objects. everything that is new to us is always something worth telling others about.

OMG!!! Only an alien would say something like that!!!! run for your lives!!!