Astronomy/GETTING UP CLOSE

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Expert: - 5/10/2009


Question
I was wondering would you please tell me:  why do we have daylight savings?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Cameron,
Actually most of us astronomers hate it as we have to wait that
extra hour for it to get dark. I guess we still have it because
of the mistaken belief that it saves energy (at least in the USA),
and even that is questionable.  So all I can tell you is that it
is a political thing now, and I can point you to the history of
Daylight Stupid Time at
http://www.gazetteextra.com/daylightsaving_side030707.asp

You'll read that initially it was first a WW I creation, then it was
carried into WW II, and so on.
But us in astronomy, 95% of us wish it was eliminated permanently.
If you ever find a way of eliminating it world-wide, please let us
know.
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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