Our Hands Are Tied

“Don’t be ridiculous, Patel. It’s clearly some sort of error,” Dr. Smythe said dismissively.

“But, sir. I checked all of the data and modeled it on the computer. This is not speculation. In fact, it provides answers to seemingly anomalous results we have received from other gravity probes. The mass of this object would account for it all.”

“What object? All you have shown me is a smudge of light that is most probably the result of a lens flare and what you are calling anomalies are probably no more than mathematical rounding errors.”

“But, sir. It’s clearly visible. It’s a planet.” Smythe relaxed his eyebrows, stepped closer to Dr. Patel, and put his hand gently on his shoulder. 

“Karam, I understand how you feel. You are overcome by the excitement of discovery. That’s why many of us entered the field of astrophysics. But there is a much more prosaic explanation for what you have found. How long have you spent going over these data points?”

“Four weeks, sir.”

“Humans are programmed for pattern recognition. It was key to our survival when we were hunter-gatherers. The problem is that when our minds are presented with an array of random information, it wants to see a pattern. Think of the times when you have laid on your back and looked up at the clouds and seen all sorts of fanciful shapes and figures. If someone stares at a blank white wall for long enough, the mind becomes so overcome that it projects shapes, patterns and colors that aren’t there.” Patel shook his head.

“But sir, this is all based on data collected by our instruments, not just something I was looking at.”

“Your conclusions are based on your interpretation of the data.” Dr. Smythe took his hand off of Dr. Patel’s shoulder. “Karam, I am a great admirer of your fastidious approach to research. In many ways it mirrors my own. In fact, I had come to the same conclusion that you have when presented with a similar data set and I was close to publishing my findings, when my mentor reviewed it and found the conclusions to be fallacious. I am only seeking to save you the same professional embarrassment that I avoided. In fact, I consider you to be my protege and I would love to work more closely with you. In the future, bring all of your findings to me before sharing or publishing them so that we can ensure the rise of your star in the skies of astrophysics.”

“Y-yes sir. It would be an honor. Thank you.”

“Is this all of your data, notes and conclusions?” Smythe asked, tapping on the folder Patel held.

“Yes.”

“Let me take that so I can make sure that your less than stellar work never sees the light of day.”

Patel handed his work over to his new mentor and left. Smythe got out his phone.

“Our hands are tied. He found the planet behind the sun. Make it painless.”