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Astronomy/This is my cousin's question

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Expert: - 12/15/2008


Question
In the solar system revolving around the star is _________.

Answer
Hi Elena,
....revolving around the star (our sun) is....
8 major planets, hundreds of thousands of asteroids in both
the Main Asteroid Belt (between Mars and Jupiter) and the Kuiper
Asteroid Belt out by Pluto (of which, so far, Pluto is the 2nd
largest Kuiper Belt Asteroid).  There are also a huge number of comets orbiting the sun at various angles, and innumerable small space junk called meteoroids (which when they hit our atmosphere, they become meteors, and if perchance they hit the surface, then
they are called meteorites). Notice moons are not mentioned because they revolve around their parent planet, not the sun.

I think the question is to relate to the hard astronomical definition
of revolution versus rotation.  The latter is always movement
around an axis, whereas revolution is motion around another body.
The two terms in astronomy should NEVER be confused, or worse,
used in place of each other. I think that is the purpose of the
question.
Hope this helps,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA  

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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