Americans are scientifically illiterate, reports the Times. For example:
One adult American in five thinks the Sun revolves around the Earth, an idea science had abandoned by the 17th century.
The CIA Factbook tells me that there are roughly 235 million Americans above the age of 14. I don't know how many of those are adults, meaning 18 or older, but let's say 90%.
That means 42.3 million Americans believe the Sun revolves around the Earth.
42.3 million.
That is astonishing.
[Links: Scientific Savvy? In U.S., Not Much - New York Times; CIA — The World Factbook — United States]