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Astronomy/Thought I'd Mention...

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Expert: - 9/15/2004


Question
In your answer to Paul's question you forgot both the the Pegasus Dwarf Galaxy and the Canis Major Galaxy, which are both in the Local Group.

Answer
FOLLOW UP:

Hi AW,
Yes, you are correct, but......
Paul is a newbie...his question was not, "What are the
Local Group Galaxies?", but rather, IS there a particular
galaxy named "Pegasus" (probably thinking of the Andromeda
Galaxy - M-31, up in Andromeda).

How do I know he is a newbie?  Because a seasoned astronomer
would have asked, "...And how far is it from the Milky Way Galaxy?, and not, as he did, how far is it from the Earth?
(As you know, galactic distances are measured from other
galaxies, and not our lowly solar system, or lowly planet.)

So yes, you are correct in mentioning those two as being
Local Group Galaxies, and there are about 30 other dwarf galaxies in the Local Group, but as I said above, I don't believe that was his question....
besides, I must have answered his question correctly because there was no follow-up question, and he gave me a very high
rating on the follow up charts.
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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