Brent, Where do I sign up?? That's an opportunity I couldn't afford to pass up. Wow. Kris Jones
brentjwatson@yahoo.com 08/06/02 03:06PM >>> Dale,
I understand you are not dissing John, but I thought someone needed to speak for him. Unfortunately, there is no URL nor written version of what he talked about. To find out more, you need to talk to him directly. He has also not worked out the math for his model, but would like someone to do it. We talked about that just before he left. I am going to see if I can get him back in town this winter for an intense mirror grinding/telescope making session. I talked with him about that and he is willing. I just need to get the rest lined up. We would do 10" scopes and they would be functional before the end of the class. Any interest? Brent --- Dale Hooper <Dale.Hooper@sdl.usu.edu> wrote:
I'm certainly not trying to dis John Dobson. I'm definitely no physicist - so it takes some time to think about the things he discussed and I'm still "cogitating" over parts of it. I found his discussion very intriguing. It would be interesting to see his ideas in print because I'm sure that I've forgotten much of what he discussed. Is there perhaps a URL where his ideas can be found?
However, for example, I think he still has issues explaining the non-baryonic nature of about 96% of the dark matter, and I believe he still has a problem with either Olber's paradox or he ends up with a "preferred observer" for our position in the universe.
That said, I think he's been one of the greatest influences in amateur astronomy in our day. It was especially exciting to get his input and listen to him at the star party at Antelope Island.
Thanks, Dale.
-----Original Message----- From: Brent Watson [mailto:brentjwatson@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, August 05, 2002 9:41 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Kudos for ALCON 2002
--- Dale Hooper <Dale.Hooper@sdl.usu.edu> wrote: > > P.S. I think John Dobson's theory has quite a few > glaring holes - but, it sure was interesting to > listen to the debate Saturday that it spurred.
John Dobson definitely has a unique personality, but I must say that he thinks for himself. His views on Cosmology are somewhat unorthodox, as he is a strong proponent of the Steady State model of the universe. He is vastly outnumbered in his thought, but has very good reasons for the theories he puts forth. I guarantee that he has spent an order of magnitude more time thinking about the problem than anyone else I know.
Dale, I wish you had taken the time to talk to him personally about his views, and challenged the areas where you believe there are holes. He is open minded when confronted with facts, and will carefully consider them. He will think for months and even years if necessary to reconcile facts with models.
Please take the time to talk one-on-one with him next time you have a chance. He will listen to what you have to say, and consider facts.
He may appear to be self centered, but I believe this comes from his long consideration of his positions. When challenged, he is very self assured because his theories are not just brought up on the spur of the minute. He really hates the recognition and credit he gets from the having a telescope named after him. If he had his preference, he would spend his time talking to people while showing them the wonders of the universe, especially the Sun, Moon, and planets. That is the area he prefers to be involved in.
I hope that at 86 years old I can think and move as well as he does. I also wish that you all could have been at my table for the stimulating discussion we had.
Brent
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