I think im not crazy but.....

[luvmybourbon]

Well now how do i put this. On clear nights where i know there is NO clouds around if i am looking in a southerly direction with the naked eye there appears to be 2 "clouds" always in the same position! if i try to look with binoculars or anything it doesnt make any diff. Was just wondering if anyone had any ideas (including getting my head red lol) i would appreciate it
It's weird but it is real

[Terry B]

THe large and small Megellanic clouds- satellite galaxies of our own galaxy.

[MrB (Simon)]

Yes, what Terry said...
Here's a RogerG photo:
http://www.rogergroom.com/rogergroom...ges/000691.jpg

Also:
LMC and SMC Wikipedia links.

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by luvmybourbon

Well now how do i put this. On clear nights there appears to be 2 "clouds"... It's weird but it is real

You really do luvyourbourbon don't you.

Magnificent sight aren't they !
They're also referred to as the LMC and SMC for short.

[spearo (Frank)]

I recall I little gathering of astroimaging friends at my home under dark skies near Braidwood a while back.
One of our mates looked above the house's roof line with worry in his eyes.
I asked why and he indicated he feared the fireplaces in the house might be producing some smoke that would interfere with the images....
you guessed it...LMC and SMC..
we all had a great laugh!
frank

[luvmybourbon]

Well thank you all for your replies. Now i know what they are. I am fairly new to astronomy and am basically teaching myself so i figure the only dumb question to ask is one you know the answer to. The more i read the more i learn. thanks again

[luvmybourbon]

P.S luv bourbon only on weekends

[spearo (Frank)]

No such thing as a dumb question really
if we dont ask we dont learn
I've always admired those in groups who dare ask the question that most have on their mind but dont dare ask (especially in classrooms or meetings)!
and we (I especially) all have something to learn
frank

Originally Posted by luvmybourbon

Well thank you all for your replies. Now i know what they are. I am fairly new to astronomy and am basically teaching myself so i figure the only dumb question to ask is one you know the answer to. The more i read the more i learn. thanks again

[GrahamL]

great stuff arn't they

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magellanic_Clouds#History

[Glenhuon (Bill)]

Just as an added bit of info. Recently it has been suggested that the LMC and SMC are not in orbit around the Milky Way, but merely passing by.

Bill

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I'm always awestruck that we can see these galaxies with the naked eye.
It's 2 more reasons why the Southern Hemisphere has the very best of the night sky.
Congratulations on "discovering" them on your own.

[Ric]

I've been caught out more than once in dark skies with these two and had to have a second look.

Cheers

[MrB (Simon)]

You're not alone there Ric, same has happened to me a few times.

[ving (David)]

try looking at them thru ya scope iloveburbon, quite a sight they are!

[Night Owl]

Having been raised in the country I used to see alot more of the night sky as a kid than I would have from a city. I even positioned my bed next to my window so at night I could always see the Milky Way, SCP, Crux, and MCs etc. When my parents told me to go to bed and turn off the light they thought I had no alternative but to go to sleep. They were sadly mistaken. I had a small hand held scope from the age of 7, and used to scope around the Milky way and the other objects close to the SCP from the warmth and comfort of my bed. Sometimes I would fall asleep, and wake up with rain coming through the window on to me. And on one occasion I woke up with it snowing on me!

I didn't find out the MC's were galaxies until I was in high school and did Astonomy in Year 7.

[Moonboy (Gus)]

That sucks there isn't even astronomy at my school.
(I'm yr 9)
Gus