Astronomy/Post Question

Ask Tom Whiting a Question about Astronomy

Important:

Please read the following and "Instructions from the Expert" carefully before you post the question:

  • Please don't set your question to private unless it will personally identify you. The public questions will get high priority to be answered and can benefit more users. Don't put your personal information in the question.

  • After you submit your question, we'll send you an email as a receipt. You will be notified when the answer is ready. Please make sure your email server does not block or filter out emails from allexperts.com.

  • AllExperts is a 100% free site. Our experts spend lots of time to answer your questions. We ask only that you thank and rate the volunteer's answer upon your return.

Instructions from the Expert:

No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Read our NO SPAM! guarantee

65000-character limit

Please Note:

By clicking below to send your e-mail, you understand and agree to the following:

  • The information you receive is not professional advice and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes only; all investment decisions you make are your own responsibility.

  • AllExperts.com has no responsibility or control over the content of any information you receive.

  • Click to send your message only if you agree to these terms.

Click to send your message only if you agree to these terms.

All Answers

Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


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.

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.