Astronomy/Halley's comet

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Expert: - 9/13/2009


Question
Where was Halley's comet observed?

Answer
Hi Terell,
When?
Tom

FOLLOW UP:
I first observed Halley in February 1986 from Erie, PA...then we took vacation to southern
Florida and saw it again from Sanibel Island just south of Fort Myers, in March of 1986.

Since then, I believe large telescopes have photographed it passing Saturn's orbit outbound,
down around 24th magnitude, but I haven't seen a recent picture of it.
Generally, all parts of the world get to see a bright comet, (except a polar region where it
is continuous daylight)  as they only move a degree or several degrees per 24 hours, so they are around quite a while...several weeks or months. (Unlike meteors that appear and are gone in
a flash).  Comets DO NOT streak across the sky, they move very leisurely across the sky, slowly
changing their position a little, from night to night...similar to our moon, but not even that
fast. (The moon moves about 12 degrees eastward every 24 hours in our sky.) Comets typically
move only one degree from night to night.
Clear Skies,
Tom  

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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