Astronomy/Asteroids

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Expert: - 11/29/2004


Question
Tom,

I am an Amateur Astronomer taking an online course. It has come time for my final section. I have chosen Near earth Asteroids as one day I plan on doing this type of Research with a 20" telescope. Now for the question how can an Amateur Astronomer get involved doing this Research with a Scientific team. I have been trying to get ahold of some of the bigger teams and seem to not have any luck.
Thank You for your time.
Becky  

Answer
Becky,....
I don't know....but if it were me, I would start E-mailing
colleges that teach astronomy  for a profession...the
two big ones are Penn State University and Arizona,
and ask them the same question.

Do you plan on research on your own as an amateur,
or do you want it as a profession?
For the latter route, you'd better have a Doctorate
(or be working on one) in either Astronomy or Astrophysics to break into ANY form of professional astronomy, because
the competition to do so is very keen, and everyone you
are going up against, will have those qualifications.
(That's why I didn't....my BS in Metallurgical Engr and Masters in Education just wasn't enough for the professional
side of Astronomy).   So I just became an advanced amateur,
which is nearly the same as a professional, except I don't
get paid for it.

As an amateur, you can just do as I do....just get a scope,
learn the night sky, and break out on your own....
Although I don't do much with NEA's, I am out there
comet hunting on occasion....but it's almost the same
procedure.   You are scanning the night sky by hand.
And hope you get lucky someday, as there is a lot of luck
involved.....looking at the right spot at the right time.

Hope all this helps,
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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