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Questions on observational astronomy, optics, and astrophysics. Specializing in the evolution of stars, variable stars, supernovae, neuton stars/pulsars, black holes, quasars, and cosmology.
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.
StarDate, University of Texas, numerous Journal Publications
B.A. Physics and Astronomy M.Sc. Physics Ph.D. Astrophysics
Hi James, You've asked a very important question, yet one that's extremely complex (or at least difficult to answer in a paragraph or two). But I hope to at least point the way where you can learn more
Hello Phil, I'm afraid I don't agree or disagree with the Holographic Principle. I just don't know, and from what I've seen up until know, it's not knowable. Which means it's not science. It's philosophy
Hi Paul, The main compelling evidence for the asteroid theory seems to be the widespread bombardment at the same time (involving at least Mars, Mercury, and Vesta). But it seems the jury is still out
Hi Paul, Very interesting question! But until recently, little research was done to back up the claim that Jupiter was a "protector" of earth. After all, Jupiter can also deflect comets to more closely
Hello Jim, First, I know some Nobel Prizes were awarded for the "discovery" of the accelerating universe. So I may seem to be a heretic, but I don't believe there's enough evidence of this "acceleration"

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