Bright spot in the East (morning) and in the West (night)

zamri · Post by **zamri** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 12:30 pm

You can refer to the below star chart.
Saturn is the one I circle in red.

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:40 pm

DX,

You are correct. The big dipper is a prominent constellation in the North, depicted by the 3 stars at the tail.

follow this method . Just remember the keyword 'ARC to Arcturus' , the arc (3 stars on big dipper) will point to Arturus, which is brightest star in Bootes. Yes, so the yellowish star you saw yesterday is Arturus.

Following the Arc to Arcturus, you can form a larger 'Arc' which will point to Spica (Brightest star in Virgo).

The arc shape is well indicated in your planisphere with dotted lines.

To locate Leo, you can try this method. Look at the 2 left stars in Ursa Major Trapezium, use them as pointers. They will point you upwards to Leo. Leo is a very big constellation with bright stars that form its shape.

Sam

zamri · Post by **zamri** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 4:05 pm

I think if you just tilt your head straight up, you can able to spot.

dx · Post by dx » Fri Apr 24, 2009 4:36 pm

Thanks Sam. Interesting to know that the planisphere actually guide us to find the stars. Now I feel good that I could spot the big dipper. I think this must the "north 7-star" mentioned in Mandarin, haha.

Zamri, I did look up straight up last night and did not spot Leo or Saturn. I guess maybe my location no good or careless.

hopefully have better luck tonight or later nights. Thanks a lot.

Post by **Airconvent** » Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:58 am

Can also use this too...

http://www.skymaps.com/

dx · Post by dx » Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:57 pm

just an update: last friday night managed to spot Leo and a yellow spot, guessing it must be Saturn. Unfortunately it was too vertical on top of my head so couldn't manage to see through telescope.

Saturday night 12 am it was slightly slanted so managed to get the image inside the telescope. Turning the knob tried to get it focused and the moment the image came sharp, oh my !!!!!!!! Guess you'll know how I felt the first time watching Saturn. Marvelous !!!

THANKS for all the people here giving the guides to me.

zamri · Post by **zamri** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:01 pm

haha!! well done. Maybe the next planet you might want to give a try on Jupiter.

dx · Post by dx » Fri May 08, 2009 8:44 am

yup.....managed to watch Jupiter and Venus recently.
Another question: the Venus still appear like a crescent to me through telescope, is it always like this?

Post by **weixing** » Fri May 08, 2009 11:27 am

Hi,

dx wrote:Another question: the Venus still appear like a crescent to me through telescope, is it always like this?

No... the phase of Venus will change just like our Moon (just take a longer time to change as it's orbit around the Sun), but you won't be able to see the full phase (block by the Sun) and usually won't be able to see the "new" phase (between Earth and the Sun) unless it's a Venus transit.

Have a nice day.