I was observing the Moon and Jupiter tonight, and while I was on Stellarium, I noticed that Uranus was almost directly above Jupiter relative to the night sky. After I learned that, I looked in that direction and saw a point of light which shone a light bluish color. There were no stars around it for me to compare it to (to discern if it was just a star as opposed to a planet) and I couldn't resolve a disk (I was only using 63x power). However, the telescope was aimed in the correct spot relative to Jupiter, and it was the brightest object in the field of view (I couldn't note any other object beside it). I'm highly positive I saw Uranus, which surprises me, because this is the first time I have ever attempted to view a planet that wasn't already visible to the naked eye. I'm still unsure though, so I just wanted to get your opinions. Thank you in advance!
#2
-
-
- Posts: 210
- Joined: 28 Sep 2011
Mariner 2
Posted 11 April 2024 - 09:16 PM
Uranus is barely naked eye visible in perfect conditions and if you know where to look. So its very easy to see even in the smallest telescopes. Sounds like you probably saw it.
- scottinash, kgb, BFaucett and 1 other like this
#3
-
-
- Posts: 460
- Joined: 23 Dec 2020
- Loc: Northern Sierra Mountains, 4,000 ft.
Messenger
Posted 11 April 2024 - 09:43 PM
- BFaucett and SpaceLover1 like this
#4
-
-
- Posts: 3,734
- Joined: 05 Jan 2017
- Loc: Southern California semi-desert 33.75° N (NELM mag 5.3)
Soyuz
Posted 11 April 2024 - 10:19 PM
You definitely saw it. There's still a tiny bit of lingering twilight left... but I spotted it just now (8:05pm PDT) in my Docter 15x60s. Pretty easy, since it's at mag 5.8, and their separation is only a little over 1.5 degrees... and as you say, there are no other stars that bright that are directly above it.
Good job! 
- BFaucett and SpaceLover1 like this
#5
-
-
- Posts: 4,498
- Joined: 03 Oct 2022
- Loc: 34° N, 117° W
Skylab
Posted 11 April 2024 - 10:42 PM
I can see up to magnitude 5.4 to magnitude 5.6 stars naked eyes. I have not try for Uranus yet, but then I only stargaze at midnight till 5AM, and right now at that time Uranus is gone.
But will try next time.
Sir OP, what is your sky Bortle Sir?
- SpaceLover1 likes this
#6
-
-
- Posts: 3,177
- Joined: 07 Nov 2021
- Loc: Simi Valley, CA.
Gemini
Posted 11 April 2024 - 10:43 PM
Right now with my 7x50s it is dim because it is low. Definitely non-stellar, it looks a little spooky.
- SpaceLover1 likes this
#7
-
-
- Posts: 1,508
- Joined: 16 Jul 2023
- Loc: Tampa, Florida
Surveyor 1
Posted 12 April 2024 - 04:16 AM
Uranus is exactly as you have described. So I'm confident that Uranus is exactly what you saw. Congratulations on your discovery!!
- SpaceLover1 likes this
#8
-
-
- Posts: 61
- Joined: 27 Mar 2024
- Loc: East Yorkshire, UK
Explorer 1
Posted 14 April 2024 - 05:57 AM
#9
-
-
- Posts: 122,259
- Joined: 08 Apr 2002
- Loc: PA, USA, North America, Planet Earth
ISS
Posted 14 April 2024 - 09:24 PM
Here's a screen shot from SkySafari on that date.
Attached Thumbnails
CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.
Recent Topics
-
-
-
Census: Antlia 36mm EDGE + [insert filter wheel]raadoo - Today, 02:56 AM
Equipment (No astrophotography)
-
-
-
-
-
Celestron CGX mount with new HC not seen by ASIAIR Pro
Pasohaze - Yesterday, 10:57 PM
Equipment (No astrophotography)
-
-
