What planets were ancient people able to see in the sky without telescopes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the visibility of planets in the night sky to ancient peoples without the aid of telescopes. Participants explore the experience of stargazing in ancient times, the significance of the naked-eye planets, and the impact of modern technology on astronomical observation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that ancient people observed five naked-eye planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, which were believed to influence human affairs.
  • One participant mentions that Uranus, referred to as the Georgian Planet, is barely visible to the naked eye under ideal conditions but was not discovered until telescopes were invented.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the distractions of modern life, particularly television, which some argue detracts from noticing celestial events like meteors.
  • One participant makes a lighthearted comment about cleaning a TV screen, which leads to a discussion about the visibility of meteors today compared to ancient times.
  • Another participant humorously connects the concept of "tv tube meteors" to a claim about the age of the Earth.
  • A link to a NASA article is shared, although the participant later corrects themselves regarding the timing of an event mentioned in the article.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of the five naked-eye planets and their significance in ancient astronomy. However, there are humorous and tangential discussions that introduce varying perspectives on modern distractions and the visibility of celestial phenomena today.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal experiences and opinions rather than established facts, and the discussion includes humor that may obscure the original topic. The visibility of Uranus and the conditions required for its observation are not universally agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in ancient astronomy, the cultural significance of celestial bodies, and the impact of modern technology on observational practices may find this discussion relevant.

scott1
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April 11, 2006: Ancient people didn't have TV or electric lights. So, when the sun went down every night, they got their entertainment by watching the sky. And it was entertaining. Without city lights to interfere, the Milky Way was spectacular. Meteors flitted across the sky. Zodiacal lights chased the sunset.

Of special interest were the five naked-eye planets, the ones you could see without a telescope. (The ancients didn't have telescopes, either.) Countless hours were spent watching Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, whose movements were thought to control the affairs of men.
This is the on planet that Ancients haven't seen(and I have never seen).
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
That's interesting.. Thank goodness for TV! But if I were around then it would be awesome to see the stuff (relatively) plus there wouldn't be all that light pollution.
 
We probably have just as many meteors nowadays too, but nobody notices them because they're glued to the TV.
 
Mental Gridlock said:
We probably have just as many meteors nowadays too, but nobody notices them because they're glued to the TV.
I've had some glued to my TV and they're quite noticeable after a while. Removal is simple with a clean cloth and some Windex.
 
Of special interest were the five naked-eye planets, the ones you could see without a telescope. (The ancients didn't have telescopes, either.) Countless hours were spent watching Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, ...
Interestingly, the Georgian Planet (Uranus...which I presume is what you are hinting at in your topic name) is barely visible if you have very clear skies & keen eyesight...but it wasn't discovered until a telescope was used.
 
DaveC426913 said:
I've had some glued to my TV and they're quite noticeable after a while. Removal is simple with a clean cloth and some Windex.

Did you buy it that way or did they build up over time? HAHAHAHAHAHA okay so I wasn't thinking when I typed that.. Let me see if I can recall what I was trying to say.
 
Mental Gridlock said:
Did you buy it that way or did they build up over time?
The small number of tv tube meteors is proof of a young Earth.
 
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/11apr_george.htm
sorry I didn't post before you'll be able to see it tonight
EDIT:sorry I got confused it will be this moring before dawn
 
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