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Question
Is there a such thing as Aliens? thx by.
Hi Calyx,
The real answer is.....we don't know....as yet.
The textbook answer is... probably, BUT...at the vast distances to the other stars, and the limiting slow speed of light compared to interstellar distances, odds are really against any contact with any other life-forms.
The realistic answer is, most astronomers do not believe
in astrology, UFO's, aliens, Ouiga boards, numerology,
ghosts, goblins, elves, fortune telling, or any occult stuff...we just deal in the facts, and since there is no HARD (court of law) evidence for any of this stuff, we can't buy into it. Land one (UFO) in my backyard, in broad daylight, and then I might...might, consider it. That's how 99.9999+% astronomers feel.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA
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Answers by Expert:
Tom Whiting
Expertise
Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years. Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Experience
Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.
Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.
Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).
Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions; Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).
Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.
Education/Credentials
BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.
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