[ID] Which Celestial Object Is This, Please?

Jason Green · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 03:52 PM

Hi,

I saw what I would describe as a bright star. It didn't move other than with the other stars during the course of the night.

1. Distant...

2. Closer...

I had my Exposure bias down two steps, on a tripod with a Timer used so there was little iof any shake, I used the Fuji's 300mm zoom +2x digital for No.1 and +5x for No.2.

Is it a star, a planet or something else?

Any help appreciated

Take care,

Jason

djackso · #2 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 03:59 PM

Hi, I've no idea - do you know roughly the position in the sky - north, west etc. Do you mean it moved with the stars? Was it's position fixed in relation to them? In which case, which constellations was it in/near?

I think this sort of information will give others a better idea.

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 04:09 PM

Thanks

Unfortunately I have no idea at all about the constallation, I'm new to this sort of thing but would like to learn. I also don't know the direction for certain, but perhaps North-east? I'll let you know if I find out to the contrary.

It moved as did the stars in what I think was generally the same direction, but I also can't say for certain if it was the same speed or not.

Thanks for your assistance

James M · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 05:00 PM

Also do you know what time it was?

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 05:22 PM

Yes, around 21:30pm on Tuesday, I think

mrs fish · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 06:56 PM

I think it might be Jupiter.

I have read that it is very bright at the moment, I did see what I think was Jupiter earlier this week in the South, it did look very big and twinkly

Adam Cheeseman · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs fish

I did see what I think was Jupiter earlier this week in the South, it did look very big and twinkly

If it was Jupiter it should not be twinkling, planets don't. It might shimmer if low to the horizon due to heat haze though.

Cheers,

Adam

Adam Cheeseman · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 07:27 PM

Going purely on the image and the assumption that it is a planet, is it not like Mars. Jupiter is usually pale and normally has obvious bands of cloud around it and also in the distant image I would expect to see a couple or three of its closer moons. That's just my guess.

Cheers,

Adam