John,

EE is not dead and that's why I was asking you about it. It just depends on where one is from. If PT is not fully explained then EE has a place as well.

Astrophysics certainly has a value when it comes to understanding the earth. Multiple disciplines when looking at the entire universe and all of its planets is an important part of confirming the geological process. As an example what may have been learned from inner planetary experiments may one day help us to see our world entirely differently than we do currently. If one is truly exploring then the door should remain open to new concepts, ideas or theories. Wouldn't you agree?

Petra