I'm only new to astronomy and I was interested when you think the best time of year and time of "night" you think is best.
Whats out. I know Venus is out in the mornings at the moment, but trees are in the way until its light. So, when will it be highest in the sky in the afternoon, (when its dark ofcourse).
Caleb - do you have a planetarium program for your home computer, or a printed planisphere to refer to at all? These were designed to answer your question and show you what's where at any time of the day, and on any day of any year.
Everyone has their own favourite list of objects, which then go to determine the time of year an observer might call their "favourite".
All I know is that I'm getting very tired of the current weather patterns and cannot wait for winter again. Winter skies are so crisp and cold down in Cooma and in southern Sydney. The best time of year for me.
Any time is a good time!
Check out the Australian Astronomy year book for best times for planets, otherwise look at what is towards zenith or on medrian. A clear sky is a good sky, and there's always plenty to see
I like the long cold nights in winter, when the skies tend to be more consistently clear here on the central coast. And this happens to co-incide with time of the year when the most wonderful constellation in the sky (IMO) reaches zenith, Sagittarius.
I prefer June to September because the nights are longer, its dry and clear here and there are no mozzies. I also prefer to observe for a couple of hours before dawn, I am dark adapted and wide awake then, and the neighbors lights are off. Frosts are rare here and the cold isn't a problem most nights.
Agree with Domol, anytime the weather allows!
Also agree on the Astronomy 2008 Yearbook, great for beginners and the not-so beginners alike. Available at any decent bookstore (Angus and Robertson etc etc)
Any time daylight savings is over is a plus. It is hard to get motivated to get outside at 10pm or later when you have to get up at 5:45 to go to work! In the winter I can get outside just after dinner and have enough by my normal bed time.
I like the long cold nights in winter, when the skies tend to be more consistently clear here on the central coast. And this happens to co-incide with time of the year when the most wonderful constellation in the sky (IMO) reaches zenith, Sagittarius.
Sorry Rod,
Carina is the best constellation in the Sky.
Late March, early April is the best month to observe IMO. You get a wonderful selection of the biggest and brightest constellations, plus those containing the most and best targets right through from dusk to dawn. Why do you think all the Texans come out here then? Why do you think they hold the South Pacific Star Party (Australias' biggest) then? Coincidence ?
I think the Northerners come down here at that time because it is the best time to appreciate the highlights of the southern skies. And they must truly be blown away, not only by Carina, but also, particularly, Cantaurus and the LMC as well.
Whilst Carina is wonderful, it is not my favourite. Each to their own, I suppose!
Edit: I should also disclose, in the interests of complete transparency, that my star sign is officially Sagittarius (although in fact it should be Ophiucius)....
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((((((((((((((( THE MILKY WAY! )))))))))))))
