Viewing night sky in the middle of a major city

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    Major night sky Sky
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of observing the night sky from the perspective of individuals living in major cities, particularly focusing on the visibility of celestial objects such as stars and planets. Participants share their experiences and attempts at astronomical observations, including specific projects like exoplanet transit light curves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express frustration with light pollution in urban areas, noting that it significantly hampers their ability to see the night sky.
  • One participant mentions a preference for observing planets over stars, suggesting that planets are somewhat more visible despite the urban light pollution.
  • A participant describes their location near a lake, which provides a relatively darker sky for observations.
  • Another participant shares their attempt to conduct exoplanet transit light curves, highlighting the challenge posed by nearby streetlights.
  • One participant challenges the feasibility of observing exoplanets in this context, suggesting that the distances involved make such observations unlikely, albeit with a humorous remark about a fictional planet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the difficulties posed by light pollution in urban settings, but there is disagreement regarding the feasibility of specific astronomical observations, particularly related to exoplanets.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the technical challenges of observing exoplanets from urban environments, nor does it clarify the specific conditions under which such observations might be possible.

BadBrain
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Wouldn't do me any good. I live in the middle of a major city, and, the last time I looked at the night sky at my true local astronomical midnight, it looked like God had turned out the lights.
 
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BadBrain said:
Wouldn't do me any good. I live in the middle of a major city...
As do I. But I prefer planets to stars. And it's not too bad for planets.

I'm lucky - I live right on the lake, which is to the south, so at least half my sky is relatively dark.
 


DaveC426913 said:
As do I. But I prefer planets to stars. And it's not too bad for planets.

I'm lucky - I live right on the lake, which is to the south, so at least half my sky is relatively dark.

I'm attempting to do exoplanet transit light curves with two streetlights about 100 ft away in both directions. I can't even see M31 near zenith here. :frown:
 


Drakkith said:
I'm attempting to do exoplanet transit light curves with two streetlights about 100 ft away

You will fail. Exoplanets are very far away. Much too far to transit in front of a streetlight.

: biggrin :
 


DaveC426913 said:
You will fail. Exoplanets are very far away. Much too far to transit in front of a streetlight.

: biggrin :

Unless it's planet Mothra. :biggrin:
 

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