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Science About the True Nature of Earth and Universe
"The purpose of science is to discover the true nature of Earth and Universe and to share that knowledge with people everywhere. That's what I do." -- J. Marvin Herndon, Ph.D.
 
Humans tend to be creatures of habit, plodding along through time, eagerly looking toward the future, but rarely looking with question at circumstances from the past which have set them on their present course. Much of astrophysics and geophysics has been built upon flawed ideas that are 40 or more years old. J. Marvin Herndon, pictured at left, has discovered and corrected past flaws. The consequence is a whole different way of understanding Earth and Universe that is securely anchored to the properties of matter. Sharing that understanding is what this website is all about.
Email link: J. Marvin Herndon       Brief Biography (click here)
Early Earth Formation as a Jupiter-like Gas Giant
J. Marvin Herndon's concept of Earth originally having formed as a Jupiter-like gas giant leads to a new vision of Earth's internal composition, new geodynamics that correct and extend plate tectonics, powerful new energy sources, and georeactor magnetic field generation.  In short, a whole new indivisible geoscience paradigm, securely anchored to the properties of matter. Figure at right, from left to right: 1) Earth condensing inside a giant gaseous protoplanet; 2) Fully formed gas-giant Earth; 3) Gases striped away by T-Tauri solar wind; 4) Ancient Compressed Earth (64% present diameter); 5) Present Earth; 6) Jupiter for size comparison. For more details, references, and links to download scientific papers, please check out the following webpage: Click_Here. For a quick overview of Herndon's new indivisible geoscience paradigm: Click_Here.
Nuclear Fission Georeactor at Earth's Center
J. Marvin Herndon's discovery of the highly reduced, low-oxygen, chemical composition of Earth's interior led to the understanding of why substantial quantities of uranium would occur in Earth's core, settle by the action of gravity to the center of the Earth, and begin to function as a natural nuclear reactor. He demonstrated the feasibility  of a natural nuclear fission reactor, called the georeactor, at Earth's center and provided evidence of its existance. For more details, references, and links to download scientific papers, please check out the following webpage: Click_Here Learn from Questions and Answers about Earth's Georeactor Click_Here. Many first learned about the georeactor from the cover feature of the August 2002 issue of Discover magazine, entitled "Nuclear Planet". For a link to that article, Click_Here
Georeactor Origin of Earth's Magnetic Field
For more than six decades, scientists have thought that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by convection-driven dynamo-action in the Earth's fluid core. Then, J. Marvin Herndon demonstrated that sustained convection, and hence dynamo-action, in the Earth's fluid core is physically impossible. Click_Here And, why a different possibility, convection-driven dynamo-action in the georeactor, makes sense. Click_Here. YouTube Video: Origin of Earth's Magnetic Field (click here) Download .mp4 video file (click here)
Whole-Earth Decompression Dynamics
The dynamics of Earth, a direct consequence of its early gas giant origin, is described by J. Marvin Herndon's new geodynamic theory, Whole-Earth Decompression Dynamics, which gives rise to the myriad measurements and observations attributed to plate tectonics, but without requiring mantle convection. Beyond plate tectonics, Whole-Earth Decompression Dynamics provides: (1) Two powerful, unanticipated energy sources; (2) An unanticipated means of heat emplacement at the base of the crust; and, (3) A new basis for understanding: (i) Geological activity as a consequence of a single process; (ii) Emplacement of petroleum and natural gas deposits; (iii) Submarine troughs; (iv) Initiation of submarine canyons; (v) Broadened view of mountain-formation; and (vi) Much more. For details, references, and links to download scientific papers, please check out the following webpage: Click_Here. YouTube Video: 21st Century Earth Dynamics Part 1 (click here) Download .wmv video file Part 1 (click here) and YouTube Video: 21st Century Earth Dynamics Part 2 (click here) Download .wmv video file Part 2 (click here)
Important New Paper: J. Marvin Herndon, Heat transport within the Earth. (click here), 2011 arXiv: 1101.4871
Earth's Interior Composition
The textbook description of Earth's interior is based upon a 1940's incorrect idea, namely, that the Earth resembles an ordinary chondrite meteorite, and was developed on the basis of physics without chemistry. J. Marvin Herndon has corrected that, showing: (1) Only an enstatite chondrite, not an ordinary chondrite, has the sufficient relative amount of iron-alloy for Earth's massive core; and, (2) The relative masses of enstatite chondrite minerals match precisely corresponding masses of deep-Earth parts. In doing so, Herndon united chemical and physical inferences for Earth-matter below the depth of 660 km. Click_Here  Also, check out Herndon's discovery of Earth's nickel-silicide inner core composition. Click_Here. Also, please read his logical, quantitative explanation of the composition of the "seismically rough" matter at D'', the boundary between the Earth's core and lower mantle being low density, high melting-point magnesium and calcium sulfides, precipitates from the Earth's core: Click_Here. Learn from Questions and Answers about Earth's Interior Composition Click_Here.
Important New Paper: J. Marvin Herndon, Chemical basis of deep-Earth physics: Emphasis on the core-mantle boundary D''. (click here) 2011, arXiv: 1101.5085
Oil and Gas Exploration Implications

In J. Marvin Herndon’s view, virtually all major geological activity is the consequence of a single process: Earth-crust fragmentation – splitting the Earth’s crust to form new surface area to accommodate decompression-increased planetary volume. Crustal fragmentation, called rifting, provides all of the crucial components for petroleum-deposit formation: basin, reservoir, source, and seal. Rifting causes the formation of deep basins, as presently occurring in the Afar triangle of Northeastern Africa. Augmented by heat channeled upwards from deep within the Earth, uplift from sub-surface swelling can sequester sea-flooded lands to form halite evaporite deposits, lead to dome formation, and can make elevated land susceptible to erosion processes, thus providing sedimentary material for reservoir rock in-filling of basins. Moreover, crustal fragmentation potentially exposes deep basins to sources of abiotic mantle methane and, although still controversial, methane-derived hydrocarbons. For more details, Click_Here. + In espanol haga clic aqui. + In deutsch hier klicken. + En francias clic ici.

Important New Paper: J. Marvin Herndon, Impact of recent discoveries on petroleum and natural gas exploration: Emphasis on India. (click here) Current Science, 2010, 98, 772-779. + In espanol haga clic aqui.
Formation of Submarine Features
Earth's early formation as a Jupiter-like gas giant with its some 300 Earth-masses of volatiles compressed the rocky part to about 64% of its present diameter. Subsequent removal of its gaseous envelope began the process of decompression, described by J. Marvin Herndon's Whole-Earth Decompression Dynamics, which leads in a logical, causally related way to the miriad observations attribited to plate tectonics, but without mantle convection. For example, oceanic trenches are secondary decompression cracks. Moreover, some features, inexplicably by plate tectonics, are readily explained by Whole-Earth Decompression Dynamics: Oceanic troughs are partially-infilled secondary decompression cracks, for one example Click_Here. Further, Herndon has demonstrated the basis for non-erosional, primary initiation of submarine canyons Click_Here and has pointed out a consequential, significant source of error that calls into question decades of magnetic paleolatitude determinations used in Pangaea-like reconstructions and in paleoclimate estimations Click_Here.
Major Developments Related to the Solar System

For twenty years, NASA-funded scientists were unable to explain in a logical, causally related way why Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune radiate about twice as much energy as they receive from the Sun. Then, J. Marvin Herndon published the concept of planetocentric nuclear fission reactors as the cause (click here). He followed that by demonstrating the feasibility and providing evidence for a natural nuclear fission reactor, the georeactor, at the center of Earth as the energy source and production mechanism for the geomagnetic field (click here). Natural nuclear fission reactors may provide reasonable explanations for other "NASA mysteries" including: (1) Our Moon having a soft or molten core; (2) Tiny planet Mercury having a magnetic field; (3) Mars displaying evidence of an ancient magnetic field; (4) Our Moon displaying evidence of an ancient magnetic field; (5) Jupiter’s moon Ganymede having an internally generated magnetic field; (6) Saturn’s moon Enceladus showing evidence of internal heating; and, (7) Evidence of internal heat generation in Pluto’s moon Charon. Further, J. Marvin Herndon discovered that only three processes are responsible for the diversity of matter in our Solar System (click here).

Important New Paper: Herndon, J. M., Nature of planetary matter and magnetic field generation in the Solar System. (click here) Current Science, 2009, 96, 1033-1039. 

Major Developments Related to Stars, Galaxies, and Exo-planets

More than seven decades ago, scientists thought they had solved the problem of how thermonuclear reactions in stars ignite automatically during formation. Later, although there were indications of serious problems, no one except J. Marvin Herndon, thought to ask "What's wrong with this picture?" and to re-think the problem. The result was realizing that thermonuclear reactions in stars, as in hydrogen bombs, are ignited by nuclear fission. Without fissionable elements to spark ignition, the stars remain dark. Click_Here YouTube Video: Lighting the Stars (click here) Download .wmv video file (click here)

Before Herndon, the characteristic features of galaxies were inexplicable, because astrophysics had been built upon a flawed foundation for more than seven decades, i.e., the belief that stars automatically ignite upon formation. Now, J. Marvin Herndon points the way to understand for the first time galactic luminous star distributions, which are a prominent, common feature of galaxies, making the galaxies appear as they do. Click_Here YouTube Video: The Origin of Galaxies (click here) Download .wmv video file (click here)

Important New Paper: Herndon, J. M., New concept for internal heat production in hot Jupiter exo-planets, thermonuclear ignition of dark galaxies, and the basis for galactic luminous star distributions. (click here) Current Science, 2009, 96, 1453-1456.

Methodologies for Making Scientific Discoveries
How, one might ask, is J. Marvin Herndon, pictured at right, able to make so many fundamental scientific discoveries? There are methodologies, not taught in schools, that Herndon shares in his book, Maverick's Earth and Universe Click_Here, and in his new paper, entitled "Inseparability of Science History and Discovery".Time-Travel for Science Revolutions (click here) is a brief synopsis of Herndon's new work describing one methodology for making revolutionary scientific discoveries which differs from the frequently discussed variations of the scientific method.
Important New Paper: Herndon, J. M., Inseparability of Science History and Discovery (click here) History of Geo- and Space Sciences, 2010, 1, 25-40.
Science Corruption and Suppression
Science is about truth, not deception, not to the scientific community and not to the general public. Science provides a truth-standard, securely anchored in the properties of matter, a means to expose the charlatans and science-barbarians who would lie, cheat, steal, and tyrannize under the guise of science. "Climategate" was just the tip of the iceberg. J. Marvin Herndon reveals the causes of widespread science courruption, suppression and misrepresentation and he proffers practical solutions. Click_Here
Important New Article: Corruption of Science in America (click here). Press release and magazine link (click here).
Improving Education
American education continues to decline even as committees propose one new program after another for teachers to implement. J. Marvin Herndon reveals the principal cause and proposes a solution to reverse that decline while broadening the range and scope of education. Click_Here. See also: YouTube Video: Put Teachers on Top (click here) Download .wmv video file (click here).
Special for Teachers and Lovers of Knowledge

+ Celebrities Remember Their Favorite Teachers (click here)

+ Teaching Students to Question Earth-Core Convection (click here)

+ Teaching Earth Dynamics: What’s Wrong with Plate Tectonics Theory? (click here)

+ Teaching About Nature’s Nuclear Reactors (click here)

+ Questioning Astrophysics and Revealing Connections between Stellar Ignition, Luminous Galactic Structures, Dark Matter, Galactic Jets, and the Origin of the Elements (click here)

+ Important Scientific Discoveries and Insights of J. Marvin Herndon, Ph.D. (click here)

+ Current Biography Profile of J. Marvin Herndon (click here)

+ Discover Magazine article "Nuclear Planet" and Consequences (click here)

+ Galileo Quotes from The Assayer on Human Nature (click here)

+ The Naysayer (click here)

+ Foreword by J. Marvin Herndon to the book Mars: Perspective Energy and Material Resources (click here)
+ Chapter 20 of the book Mars: Perspective Energy and Material Resources by J. Marvin Herndon "Perspectives on the Utilization of Martian Iron and Carbon Dioxide" (click here)

YouTube Video: Origin of Earth's Magnetic Field (click here) This video is best "watched in high quality" as it contains an experimental demonstration of why long-term convection, and hence dynamo-action, in the fluid core is impossible. Download .mp4 video file (click here).

YouTube Video: Lighting the Stars (click here) The nature of star ignition has been misunderstood since a mistake was made in the 1930s and subsequently built upon J. Marvin Herndon reveals the mistake and describes the rationale for his correcting it. (click here for notes and references)  Download .wmv video file (click here).

YouTube Video: The Origin of Galaxies (click here) Observations arranged into a logical order reveal causal relationships leading to a new fundamental understanding of the origin of galaxies. Download .wmv video file (click here).

YouTube Video: No Mantle Convection!!! (click here) Plate tectonics theory is incomplete, providing no energy source for geodynamics and depends critically on the assumption of mantle convection. This video shows the reason that mantle convection is physically impossible. Download .wmv video file (click here).

YouTube Video: 21st Century Earth Dynamics Part 1 (click here) and 21st Century Earth Dynamics Part 2 (click here) This is a two-part video about a complete, new geodynamic theory, recently published in the scientific literature, called Whole-Earth Decompression Dynamics, that unifies and supersedes plate tectonics and Earth expansion theories. Download .wmv video file Part 1 (click here). Download .wmv video file Part 2 (click here).

YouTube Video: Put Teachers on Top (click here) Download .wmv video file (click here).

Maverick's Earth and Universe

J. Marvin Herndon's view of Earth, its internal composition, energy sources, origin, and behavior, makes sense in a logical and causally related manner. His presentation is unlike the textbook picture that is based upon deep-rooted blunders, uncorrected by consensus-only, reviewed-in-secret, government-funded, establishment scientists.

Maverick's Earth and Universe begins at the foundations of knowledge and progresses step-by-step so that the reader can understand, not simply believe. The author reveals the way science should work, including a methodology more fundamental than the so-called scientific method, and describes techniques to use for making discoveries, which are not found in any textbook.

Maverick's Earth and Universe discloses the decades-old major blunder that underlies astrophysics, and points to a wholly different way to envision the Universe. Available from Trafford (click here), from Amazon.com, (click here) and elsewhere.

Reviews of Maverick's Earth and Universe (click here).

 Italian translation by Franco Bonavia: La Terra e l’Universo (click here to download free pdf)

Historical Background

+ Richard D. Oldham's Discovery of the Earth's Core (click here)

+ Inge Lehmann's Discovery of the Earth's Inner Core (click here)

+ Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann's Discovery of Nuclear Fission and Consequences (click here)

+ Paul K. Kuroda's Feasibility of Natural Nuclear Reactors in Uranium Mines (click here)

+ French Discovery of Fossil Natural Reactors at Oklo, Republic of Gabon (click here)

The scientific foundations described on this website have been published in the following, premiere scientific journals: Naturwissenschaften, Journal of Geomagnetism and Geoelectricity, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, Current Science, and Earth, Moon, and Planets. When an important new contradiction to prevailing ideas arises in the realm of ethical science, the new concept should be discussed and debated, subjected, if possible, to experimental and/or theoretical verification, refuted if wrong, or otherwise acknowledged. Scientists throughout the world are invited to ascribe to that standard. Secure in the belief that science and truth should go hand in hand with the freedom to learn about and to understand the world in which we live, this web site is dedicated to the dissemination of information to all people: to scientists and, especially, to interested persons everywhere.

© 2009, 2010, 2011 Transdyne Corporation and J. Marvin Herndon. Except as otherwise marked, the material on this website may be reproduced for educational purposes, provided that no modifications are made and provided the source and J. Marvin Herndon are acknowledged.