Space Exploration/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer most questions about space flight and planetary exploration from an astronomy standpoint, but not from a computer or electronics standpoint. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO identifications.

Experience in the area

Astronomy, my main catagory, has been my hobby and pastime for over 50 years. Taught astronomy and meteorology at the University level for over 13 years.

Organizations

President- Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years. Also on allexperts.com astronomy catagory for over 8 years.

Publications

Astronomy Technology Today and also wrote the "Over Erie Skies" column in our local newspaper for 11 years.

Education/Credentials

BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PA Master's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

Awards and Honors

Discoverer of the mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor; also the mini-dipper asterism up in the bowl of the Little Dipper.

What do you like about this subject?

We are witnesses to the beginning of the space age, October 4, 1957 until the present. This activity will eventually lead to both interplanetary flight over the next century, followed by interstellar flight in the 22nd century. But our generation, the generation of the 1950's....gave space exploration it's initial start.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

97% of this Universe is still hydrogen and helium left over from the Big Bang; only 3% are "heavies" from Lithium (3) to Uranium (92). Perhaps we are lucky to be here this 'early' under those circumstances. In addition, 13.7 billion years ago, after Big Bang, is starting to sound like a very short time frame in the total lifespan of our Universe.