Astronomy/Astronomy?

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Expert: - 4/2/2008


Question
Thank you for your honest answer Tom. I did see the funny side. I'm sorry if my idea was silly. However, It has had recieved some positive feedback regarding it. http://en.allexperts.com/q/Astronomy-1360/earth-flares.htm

All the best. David

Answer
Hi Dave,
Oh, I wasn't knocking the theory...I was just simply suggesting that
astronomy is not the correct catagory; we are more into
discoveries and gathering data on the night sky bodies requiring
a telescope, and not the atmosphere or the Earth. Just like discussions on alien life forms should be in the biological realm
(or astrobiology- the course without a subject, as yet) as opposed to the astronomical realm.
There are many things in astronomy that require our attention now;
GRB's, early formation of galaxies immediately after the Big Bang,
mergers of 2 close binary neutron stars, black holes, etc...strange, unexplained, balls of light in our atmosphere only seen at night, are not one of them; Being more related, I would think, to meteorology which deals with atmospheric phenomena....or possibly the Earth-Science Department which deals with stuff like lightning
(all forms), northern lights, and our electromagnetic fields around the earth.
That's basically what I was trying to say.
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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