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Minor White |
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Minor White has been a principal scientist, author,
inventor and mentor whose current passion is astronomy. He is a
co-discoverer of 62 minor planets (asteroids). A certified observer
(MPC643), along with his astronomy partner Michael Collins for the Minor Planet
Center located at Harvard University, Minor has developed unique computer
software that assists in limiting the noise of astronomical images when working
on the cutting-edge limits of sensitivity of the instrumentation. Along with the discovery of an asteroid, comes the privilege of naming the asteroid. The people he has honored range from a young friend with Downs Syndrome (Alina Fiocca), to an Artic explorer (John Schott), to a cast member of Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhuru). At present, the Mission Viejo Library is planning to include a contest to name the asteroid, which Minor has so generously donated, to help celebrate their 10th anniversary. For more information about Minor's astronomy work visit MPC643. Along with several other Casta del Sol residents, Minor is a volunteer at the Mission Viejo Library as homework tutor for students grades 2 through 6. He is a supporter of the Sierra Club. He was a Wilderness Leader for the Los Angeles Chapter and has climbed more than 650 peaks over one mile high with many of the peaks rated “Class 3 Rock Climbing.” He helped in maintaining and improving the Sierra Club Peak Guides for the mountains around Los Angeles. These guides are used by various Search and Rescue teams in the Southern California area. As a Submarine Engineering Officer (Lieutenant USNR) during WWII he served out of Perth, Australia and Subic Bay, Philippines, with special duties in communication. Life as a submariner began with an underwater experience famous as “Frolicking with the Mermaids” which is certifiable activity which begins under 17 fathoms of water in the closed environment of a 110 foot tower. It was a necessary graduating requirement considering the close confines of a submarine. Currently he is beginning a new project called “Minor’s Minder” which is supported by this website. Minor's Minder will be a free and reliable reminder service for senior citizens, like himself, who sometimes tend to forget important dates. The coffee pot is always on at his pad for anyone who wishes to drop by for dialog (as promoted by Plato). |