HUGE STAR IN SKY...Looking for answers

[zoemaree07 (Australia)]

Hello all,

I am not very familiar with the night sky or astronomy. However the last few nights I have noticed a larger than normal star in the sky at around 8pm in Mandurah/Perth, Western Australia. It does not change colours and is probably 4-5 times larger than a normal star. Does anyone know anything about it that could explain??

I have Googled it and found nothing except for articles on the comet ISON, which in my opinion the facts do not point to that.

Much appreciation in advance.

Zoe

[Astro_Bot]

It would help if you told us what direction it was.

In all probability, though, it is Venus, which is very bright in the evening sky in the West at the moment.

[Astro_Bot]

To help you learn the sky, you could start with a planetarium program. Here are a couple of free ones for Windows, Mac and Linux:

Stellarium
Cartes du Ciel

For something a little more portable, you could try a book (with star charts included) that aims at beginners. There are several suitable ones - you could try browsing the Astronomy Books and Media section on this forum or try a search for "beginners astronomy books charts" and see what comes up. Others may have specific book/chart suggestions for a beginner.

And welcome to Ice in Space!

[rogerco (Roger)]

Check out the thread here called "Indian Ocean Conjunction" the picture may have your answer.

[zoemaree07 (Australia)]

Thanks everyone for your prompt and informative replies.

Astro Bot:It was in the West to South West direction at around 8pm. Does this still sound like Venus?

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Originally Posted by zoemaree07

Thanks everyone for your prompt and informative replies.

Astro Bot:It was in the West to South West direction at around 8pm. Does this still sound like Venus?

Yes..it is Venus.

[JJDOBBER79 (Jas)]

i would say that it is definately venus.

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

Definitely Venus. It's just that it's been so cloudy and rainy here the last few months we haven't really been able to see much of the sky and watch the planets moving about in the west. Venus, Saturn and Mercury are out there at the moment.