Page 2 of 2
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 12:30 pm
by zamri
You can refer to the below star chart.
Saturn is the one I circle in red.
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:40 pm
by Sam Lee
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
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 4:05 pm
by zamri
I think if you just tilt your head straight up, you can able to spot.
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 4:36 pm
by dx
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.
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:58 am
by Airconvent
Can also use this too...
http://www.skymaps.com/
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:57 pm
by dx
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.
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:01 pm
by zamri
haha!! well done. Maybe the next planet you might want to give a try on Jupiter.
Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 8:44 am
by dx
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?
Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 11:27 am
by weixing
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.