AboutTom 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.
Question Why do space-craft not melt in the heat of the million degree corona.?
Answer Hi Tina,
There is heat, and there is temperature...the two are not the
same. You are confusing the two, as your question should have read,
Why do space craft not melt in the million degree temperature
corona? There really isn't that much heat though.
Temperature is a measurement of the speed of the atoms and molecules
whereas heat is the quantity of energy. So in the corona, the
atoms are zipping along at a very high speed (high temperature)
but there aren't very many atoms doing that, (it's nearly a vacuum
out there) so there isn't really that much heat to hurt spacecraft.
Another analogy is a campfire and a burning cigarette...both are
measured at around 1200 degrees F, but campfires have heat quantity,
(lots of wood burning) so while at the same temperature the campfire
will keep you warm with lots of heat, whereas the tip of a burning cigarette will not...yet both are about the same temperture.
Hope this helps,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA
