Mountain_Wanderer
09-09-2010, 08:37 PM
Ok, i've got a question. Can someone let me know if my thinking is right here...
Zenith, I believe is the point directly above your head in the sky. If I were observing from the equator, at 0 degrees latitude, then I take it that the zenith right above me would be 0 degrees declination on a star chart?
Ok, providing I'm right there, my next question is, if I'm observing from Sydney at 35 degrees south latitude, then the zenith would be -35 degrees declination on a star chart?
This would then explain the best orienation to face (either north or south) to view a constellation in the sky. I have a set of star charts that provide an excellent account of the entire night sky, but fail to say which is the best way to face to view a star. It all makes sense once you realise that your latitude on earth directly corresponds to a zenith declination on the star charts. Then you can begin realising which way you need to face, and/or whether you need to look straight up above you!
Am I right here or have I ben smoking too much?:shrug:
Zenith, I believe is the point directly above your head in the sky. If I were observing from the equator, at 0 degrees latitude, then I take it that the zenith right above me would be 0 degrees declination on a star chart?
Ok, providing I'm right there, my next question is, if I'm observing from Sydney at 35 degrees south latitude, then the zenith would be -35 degrees declination on a star chart?
This would then explain the best orienation to face (either north or south) to view a constellation in the sky. I have a set of star charts that provide an excellent account of the entire night sky, but fail to say which is the best way to face to view a star. It all makes sense once you realise that your latitude on earth directly corresponds to a zenith declination on the star charts. Then you can begin realising which way you need to face, and/or whether you need to look straight up above you!
Am I right here or have I ben smoking too much?:shrug: