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Astronomy/laws of celestial bodies

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Expert: - 6/2/2010


Question
Hi, I am very interested in astronomy and was wondering if you could help me with information (or direct me towards information: books, websites etc.) focused specifically on the laws in regards to movements and patterns regarding the celestial bodies or entities. For example the "behaviors" of black holes, novas, supernovas, star formation and death, planetary movements etc.
Basically what I want to learn more about is the processes or actions taking place in outer space rather than about the entities themselves.
I'll be very grateful if you can recommend a book I could find in the library or a website etc.
Besides this, could you give me a general outline of the main entities that we have in space (if there are too many please don't answer but if all are derivative from a few main genuses...)?
Thank you very much for your time.
Dari

Answer
Hi Dari,
Sounds like....Your first step is to either go to the library (or a local collage bookstore that offers the latest Astronomy 101 textbook)... get yourself a copy and read it.  It covers the big picture of everything... then you can specialize afterward if you want. I happen to like Jay M. Pasachoff as a textbook writer... he covers the processes in astronomy quite nicely,  but they
(other college textbook authors), are all quite good. Just a matter of preference, that's all.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie PA  

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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