Astronomy/school project

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Expert: - 4/30/2008


Question
QUESTION: I am doing a school project and i need you to answer a few questions.

1.  Do you believe in UFOs?

2.  Do you think people live in space one day?

3.  What is one discovery you have made about the universe?

4.  How long do you usually work in a shift?

5.  How do I name a star after my Mother/Father/Girlfriend/Boyfriend/etc?

6.  Where can I find images of sunspots?

7.  Where can I find the latest

ANSWER: FOLLOW UP:
Hi again Nathaniel,,
Thanks for the very nice comments.  Just thinking  that if you are
really interested in astronomy as a hobby,  especially from the
observational standpoint, for some good pointers in the right
direction, you might want to go to our club website and punch on
Tom Whiting's Sound Advice to the Novice Astronomer, at
http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting

That way you'd avoid a lot of  'pitfalls' along the way.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: no question just a comment.  I'm Nathaniel's gifted teacher, Mrs. Brown.  I will give Nathaniel your message immediately.  He was so EXCITED  to receive your response.  I'm sure he will be using your website.

Answer
Ok, thanks for the nice response....and since you are a gifted
teacher, you are also free to use our club website. ;-)
(I also taught at Gannon University in Erie for 13 years).
Also, to see pictures of my 30 inch portable scope, you can
punch on that link also. (Largest portable scope East of the
Mississippi, I believe, or maybe 2nd largest portable by now.)
Clear skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA
PS...(And if either of you want to communicate directly, I'm retired, and at
bwhiting@velocity.net

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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