Is Sirius overhead Cairns at the New Year?

[Tropo-Bob (Bob)]

I have often wondered: How close is Sirius to the Zenith for Cairns when the New Year begins and at what time is at its highest point?

Here in Cairns, it appears to be overhead at Midnight. Cairns is 17 degrees South and so is Sirius. Local time in Cairns is about eighteen and one half minuets minutes after the East Standard time.

I do not use any Astronomy Computer apps, so I hoping that someone can answer my question.

Also do Computer apps run on current coordinates or those that were for the year 2000?

I hope all those reading have a Happy New Year.

[Finbar (Barry)]

From Cairns CBD, Sirius transits at altitude 89° 55’ 43” (89.93°), so yes pretty well nearly your zenith. Its exact zenith on the coast is at Palm Cove.

Back in Cairns CBD, Sirius transits on 01 Jan 2023 at 00:23:07, the first for the year. Nearest transit to clock midnight is on 06 Jan at 23:59:33. On Christmas day it transited at 00:50:38.

The times and altitudes above are from Luminos Pro on the iPad, which I use in the field. On the desktop I use Stellarium. They will give both current coordinates and J2000, depending on preferences you set.

Hope this helps. And lets hope for clear skies soon. All the clouds (I’m in Malanda, Atherton Tablelands) are depressingly persistent.

[Tropo-Bob (Bob)]

Much appreciated Barry!

Yes, I generally try to ease back on my hobby till the end of the wet season. Its a frustrating time of the year.

Anyway, nice to hear from you. I heard that there was a guy in Malanda into Astronomy, so I guess that must me You.

[Finbar (Barry)]

It would indeed have been me being referred to - Malanda, called by one of the Cairns astronomers the home of the most optimistic astronomer. Even in better times of the year it is often a case of clear skies all day, set up a scope, and the clouds roll in minutes later. Except for nights of the full Moon; it stays clear then.

Often when reading your Sun observations my reaction is, “What? On the coast they can see the Sun?” It’s why holidays are now taken in Richmond and Winton, with at least two scopes.

Anyway, pleased to help.

Clear skies (well, ever hopeful)
Barry

[Tropo-Bob (Bob)]

Originally Posted by Finbar

Often when reading your Sun observations my reaction is, “What? On the coast they can see the Sun?”

Clear skies (well, ever hopeful)
Barry

Barry,

Often those solar observations were during the only sunny two minutes of the morning and at other times, I just had to look through partial cloud.

I do not go to Malanda often, but if I did, I will try for a catch up. Similarly, if U come to Cairns and wish to say high and see my scopes, PM me!