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Astronomy/Expert Profile
Expertise
Questions on observational astronomy, optics, and astrophysics. Specializing in the evolution of stars, variable stars, supernovae, neuton stars/pulsars, black holes, quasars, and cosmology.
Experience in the area
I was a professional astronomer (University of Texas, McDonald Observatory), lecturer at the Adler Planetarium, professor of astrophysics, and amateur astronomer for 42 years. I have made numerous telescopes, and I am currently building one of the largest private observatories in Canada.
Publications
StarDate, University of Texas, numerous Journal Publications
Average Ratings
Recent Answers from James Gort
2009-06-11 Black holes, electric charge:
Hi Tom, I'm not quite sure I understand your question. I'll assume "beyond" the event horizon means "outside" the event horizon. Because inside the event horizon, we have no knowlegde of what's taking
2009-01-21 Sun and 7.25 degrees.....:
Hello Matt, You are correct that there's no absolute frame of reference. However, in our solar system, the plane of the earth's orbit was chosen (arbitrarily) to be the "zero" reference, and other
2009-01-20 solar system:
Hi Kevin, First, you may be surprised when I tell you that I'm a creationist also. I don't know of too many true scientists who don't see an "intelligence" (i.e., creator) at work in putting together
2009-01-18 stars:
Hi Mike, No problem. I'll always try the best I can to make sense of it. But believe me, there are some areas where no one has the answers or can make sense of it - although some try! But I'll always
2009-01-18 stars:
Hi Mike, All the stars seem like they're at the same distance from earth because they're all so far away. Although it takes about 8 minutes for light to travel to earth from the sun (93 million miles
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