Neil DeGrasse Tyson Explains 11-11-11 Phenomenon
Today is 11-11-11. A day so special that it only occurs once every one hundred years. Spiritualists are celebrating the unique day around the world with mystical prayer ceremonies. Gamblers are hitting the tables on “the world’s luckiest day.” And Spinal Tap fans are turning their amps up to 11 to celebrate Nigel Tufnel Day. But Neil deGrasse Tyson, the world famous astrophysicist, is treating 11-11-11 just like any other day.
DeGrasse started an investigation into the 11-11-11 phenomenon on Twitter. DeGrasse wrote:
“Hmm. Right now it’s 11h 11m 11s (ET) 11/11/11. That sequence won’t repeat for a century.”
A very interesting observation from the renowned astrophysicist. Tyson then tweeted:
“Hmm. Right now it’s 11h 12m 11s (ET) 11/11/11. That sequence won’t repeat for a century either.”
And then in a moment of superb clarity, DeGrasse unraveled the mystery 11-11-11. Tyson wrote:
“Yup. Any time written hh:mm:ss mm/dd/yy won’t repeat for 100yr. Evidence something can be rare yet completely uninteresting.”
And just for proof, think about tomorrow’s date, 11/12/11. When will that day occur again? Yep, 100 years and one day from now.
But despite Tyson’s logical explanation, many people are celebrating the “unique” day.
CNN reports that couples are flocking to Las Vegas to get married on the special day. Rev. Charlotte Richards, owner of Little White Wedding Chapel on the Las Vegas Strip, said: “We’re surrounded by hundreds of couples who want to get married on 11/11/11.”
What do you think about 11-11-11? Are you celebrating the opportunity to celebrate the day that only comes once every 100 years? If you are, why not celebrate 11/12/11, too?
