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Astronomy/request for details of career guidance for astronomy

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Expert: - 2/24/2010


Question
SIR MY NAME IS KIRAN KUMAR, I AM FROM INDIA
I AM DESPERATE TO LEARN ASTRONOMY VERY MUCH.
BUT I DONT KNOW HOW TO DO IT?WILL YOU GUIDE ME PLEASE?
NY EDUCATION BACK GROUND IS B-TECH/BE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE.

Answer
Hi Kiran,
I learned astronomy first by reading everything I could at the public and school library,
and by taking college courses in chemistry, math, and physics.  So I am mostly "self-taught" with just a few college elective courses in astronomy. Plus, having done it (observing with my own telescopes) for over 50 years counts for something too.

I don't know the procedure in India, but fortunately we have one of your fellow countrymen
on the allexperts website, Jayendra Upadhye, that can be of much more assistance for India than
what I can give you....especially how to get formal college training in the subject.
So I suggest that you ask the same question to him.
(Also I have no idea what a B-Tech/BE is, and I have very little knowledge about computers.)
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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