Astronomy/More HST

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Expert: - 9/7/2005


Question
Dear Tom,
Thank you for your wonderful and really comprehensive answer. Could you be really kind to answer a few more questions?
In a part of your answer you said that Hubble works simultaneously with other scopes in various wavelengths. I can think of a few space telescopes in IR, Gamma ray or x-ray, however, based on the information I have found so far (I think) that the HST is the only space telescope at present which works in UV band. And I found an article (ASP Conference Series, Vol.291) written by a UV astronomer who was concerned about the future of ultraviolet astronomy and the fact that if Hubble stops working there would be no telescopes operating in this part of the spectrum. Is that true?
Moreover, as you know the STIS instrument stopped working in the year 2004. Have NASA people been able to do anything to repair it yet?
Thank you,
Leila


Answer
Sorry Leila,
I just don't know if there is a current UV scope in space....
I just don't keep up with it, unless an article happens to
cross my E-mails.  You may be right...I just don't know....
I know we once had a UV scope in space, and of course,
some UV work can be done at high altitudes on the ground.
I just don't know our status in that regard, that's all.

And also, I don't know about the individual components
of HST either....all this is just not my expertise, as I am into
only visible light observational astronomy and cosmology mainly, and just haven't kept up with it (work at other wavelengths) ....perhaps another All-experts helper
can help you there.

Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA

Also, if you ever have an observational or theoretical
question, feel free to contact me directly at
bwhiting@velocity.net
as I am retired USAF pilot and have lots of time for
questions.

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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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