Astronomy/Expert Profile

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 in the area

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.

What do you like about this subject?

With a portable 30 inch truss-type DOB scope, I am mainly into the deep sky objects as opposed to lunar/planetary details.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to someday find a new comet and/or nova.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

When you observe a galaxy that is 65 million lightyears distant, you are seeing the light that left65 million years ago, about the time the dinosaurswere extinguished.  Thus a telescope is a "look-back in time" machine.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Many confuse our activity with astrology, which has nothing to do with astronomy, even though astrologers like to think that there is an association with astronomy. At least they want their high paying "clients"to think so.