The Mayans and Comet Lovejoy???

Comet Lovejoys estimated orbit has been changed several times since its discovery in late November this year. Original models suggested an orbit near 300 years.
Currently, on jpl database, they estimate its orbit to be much longer, near 400 years.

So, how long is its orbit exactly??
The updated information suggests the original orbit models were incorrect, so it would be safe to assume an orbit near 400 years is more accurate, although not exact.

400 years = 146,000 days
1 Bak'tun = 144,000 days



Interesting to say the least.

So, let us assume for a moment, that this comet is directly linked to the Mayan 144,000 day cycle.
It works out to approx 394 years.
2012 - 394 = 1618 (using Jan 1/2012 just to make things easy since we are close to that date now)

In the years leading up to 1618, there were global climate changes occuring. Volcano activity rapidly increased, and weather anomolies were recorded throughout the world. Severe winters, droughts during summer and coastal flooding wrecked havoc on the world. In the years after 1618, climate remained unstable. This time period is known as the Maunder minimum, with some of the lowest recorded solar activity on record. The 'Little Ice Age' began in Europe during this period as well. Without a doubt, this time period is known to historians as an age of climate change.

Lets go back another 394 years.
1618 - 394 = 1224
First we will look at the time leading up to this date. Coincidentally, it is also a significant period of climate change. The early years of the 13th century (1200 - 1210) brought quick changes to what had been a stable climate for many yeyears previous. This period contained one of the worst winters recorded in Europe (previous to the Little Ice Age), many rivers were completely frozen. Flooding and drought increased globally during this time as well. After 1224, things only got worse. During the time period between 1240 and 1280, 5 significant volcano eruptions are recorded. According to researchers, 'the amount of volcanic material ejected during the 13th century, was a factor 3 to 20 times larger than the amount ejected in any century for the previous 1000 years'. To put it mildly, this was a period of intense climate change, lasting nearly 100 years.

One more trip back through time, and then I will let you do your own research.
1224 - 394 = 830
Well, we can start with the decline of the Mayan Classical era during this time. The reasons for the quick decline are still unknown, but maybe the climate during that period will give some insight. A period of higher frequency of cold winters brought in this new period. Floding and drought were common throughout. Several volcano eruptions of note occured, and some powerful earthquakes. Records are not fully maintained during this period, so exact dates are somewhat sketchy.

It is important to note, that climate in between these periods was relatively stable, although trends of warming and cooling were apparent. From 800AD - 1200AD, for example, the world slowly warmed. From 1200AD - 1600AD, the world gradually cooled. From 1600AD to our present time, the world has been warming again.

(will continue to update)

Last Edited by ItsYourFault on 12/17/2011 02:42 PM