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Astronomy/Interesting to study for astronomy.

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Expert: - 12/27/2008


Question
Hi Tom, i m Donald from Malaysia.(next to singapore) i m really interesting in Astronomy.. Could you let me know any courses that i can take for astronomy or meteorology.. Sorry to let you know i m Art student but i have enough Geography knowledges.. Thank you

Answer
Hi Donald,
Astronomy and astrophysics are very difficult professional fields
to get into, even for a science/physics major. Most large observatories require at least a Master's degree and preferably a
Doctorate degree in a related scientific field to even be eligible
for a position at a major observatory. But the nice thing is that
us who don't qualify as 'professional' astronomers can always be
advanced 'amateurs' as a 'hobby' (no pay) and participate that way.

In that event, the subject is pretty much 'self-taught'...go to the
library and get books on the subject and read all you can about it.
(That's what i did).
Several on-line courses are available also, in fact I just saw
an advertisement for one, Swinburne University in Australia, at
www.astronomy.swin.edu.au
or contact Dr. Sarah Maddison at astro@swin.edu.au
in Hawthorn, Australia

Best of Luck,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA  USA

Astronomy

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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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