Astronomy/Solar System

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Expert: - 9/30/2004


Question
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Followup To
Question -
I just want to know:

1)If the Outer Core is so hot that the metal is melted, then why isn't the Inner core also melted?

2)What created the Ice-age?

Thanks
Samson
Answer -
1) What body?  Moon? Sun? Earth? Venus? Ceres?  Alpha Centauri?

2) On this planet?  Actually on any planet, drastic climatic changes.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
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Sorry, I mean the Earth for Question 1
Thanks
Samson

Answer
This is somewhat out of my field....the Earth is a geology
topic, and not specifically an astronomy topic...
But in any case, I always thought the Earth's inner core
was, in fact, molten iron/nickel.  But perhaps your textbook
says that it is plastic....probably because of the higher pressures in the inner core, as opposed to the outer core.

I've also read where its possible our core spins once every
5 hours, thus setting up (or perhaps enhancing) the
dynamo principle.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting

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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