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Lovely. Anyone have any questions about what we've discussed so far?

Right, if there are no questions relevant to what we have seen so far ... let's move on.

We've covered two planets so far. Let's move onto one of the most well-known constellations in the sky. It is fully visible at the moment soon after dark.

BACKGROUND. But, first, let's find the brightest star in the night sky. Look over the eastern horizon soon after the sky is dark enough to see stars. In South Africa at the moment, it is about a third to halfway between the horizon and the zenith (looking straight overhead). For the rest of the southern hemisphere forumites, it should be in a similar position. In the northern hemisphere, you will also see this star; but it's height above the horizon, and position, will vary a little according to where you are. Nevertheless, this is, by far, the brightest star in the night sky, and you shouldn't miss it. In London and Europe, for example, look about a third up from the eastern horizon at 21h00; in the USA, it will appear more to the south-east. But always in this part of the sky.

QUESTION. What is the name of this star?

is it sirius?

What a fascinating read!

Sirius? After reading and reading and reading such interesting stuff.

Pleasure all!

Great ... Sirius-ly now, let's see if anyone else has some contributions or comments?

OK OK.... I agree it's Sirius (I googled it ) but ja otherwise I Sirius-ly would have no idea.... Now please tell me, is 'Mr Sirius' always on the same location (eg. in SA on 1 January, 1 July and 1 November?) It's a 'star' right?

Great explanation on Jupiter and Mars Just one question, how long after it's dark do they remain visible?

Keep it coming, but I agree, keep it BASIC

Why is it called the Dog Star?

Hey Normana it's called the Dog Star because it is the main star withing the constellation of Canis Major (the Large Dog) if I'm correct!

G@mespotter, Normana53 ,,, I'll get to the Q's soon.
Thanks for answering, PL! Will expand on your answer later ... but, glad you're putting in your thousand dollars there!

Guys and gals, have you gone ut and looked at the star? Very bright - even in a city - and impressive part of the sky!

Have not seen anything as I'm in part of the continent where it is raining all day & night at the moment, So G@mespotter;s Q's are very pertinent for me.. How long after dark can I see it and is it visible all night until what time & whereabouts?

JJ

JJ! If you read the background above the Q, you will get most of your answers. As to how long you will see it - I see you're in Southern Africa - it will be rising till about 10ish, then setting for the next 6 hours (so till around 4 in the morning) [This is a rough estimate, but appropriate to the beginner's thread.]

Hi Normana ... Pantera Leo is spot on! The Large Dog (Canis Major) and the Small Dog (Canis Minor) hunt (in mythology) with Orion. Sirius - the brightest star in the night skies - looking from anywhere on Earth - is the main star in the constellation of the Large Dog; hence the term the "Dog Star".

Right mites ... you're Sirius-ly right ... all of you!

Now that you know where Sirius is, lets move on to one of the most well-known constellations in the sky. It is a Summer constellation in the Southern Hemisphere, and a Winter constellation in most of the Northern Hemisphere.

BACKGROUND. Right now, in the Southern Hemisphere, soon after dark, look directly over the northern horizon. There you will see three bright stars very close together. If you draw a straight line along these stars, the one side of that line (in a more easterly direction; i.e to the right side) points directly to Sirius (which we have just learnt about).

For stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere, please look for Sirius more or less over the south-eastern horizon. The three bright stars I'm talking about will be beautifully risen soon after dark (and will be high above the southern horizon, to clear city buildings, around 8 p.m., and onwards). If you draw a line to the left side with these three bright stars, you will find Sirius.

QUESTION. What is the name for these three bright stars?

Just a quick question - Are the constellations a mirror image for Northern & Southern Hemisphere viewers.

i.e. Are the Stars on opposite sides - like the leg of Canis Major pointing to left for SH and right for NH. Which view does the Internet give and which is the "Official view" of a constellation? So when I look them up or read about them do I have to put the book in a mirror, to find my stars? Here I go waffling again..

JJ

JJ

i like my waffles with ice cream and maple syrup! No waffling without toppings.

Let's stand that question over for a later time as I don't want to confuse the beginners here. I will make a note of your Q - it is a very good one - and address it when I feel its appropriate.

Any idea as to the question above?