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Astronomy/Does the world temperature rise?

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Expert: - 3/13/2011


Question
Does the world temperature rise or fall at the moment?

Answer
There is no 'at the moment' when it comes to average global temperature. There are so many factors;
solar activity, volcanic activity, total amount of cloud cover, seasonal variations (distance from the sun is always changing because of our elliptical orbit), major ocean currents, central Pacific events like El Nina or La Nina, etc etc. Some are increasing and some are decreasing, so it's looked at over a period of time... there is no one moment available.

Average global temperature is like trying to turn an Aircraft Carrier or a battleship... and it's a summation of all the world's temperatures.  I think the current value is between 59 and 60 degrees F. (around 15 degrees C) and I believe this is within normal limits of the past century, maybe up one degree F. as the planet attempts to prevent the onset of the next Ice Age, which ended about 11,000 years ago. Relatively warm periods between past 100,000 year long Ice ages have averaged about 10,000 years. So we're going on borrowed time, historically speaking.
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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