What stars/star systems can I see tonight?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying stars and star systems visible from Florida, with a focus on tools and resources that can assist in stargazing. Participants share various applications and websites that can help users understand the night sky.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a website or tool to identify stars and constellations visible from their location in Florida.
  • Another participant suggests using astronomy apps for smartphones or tablets, specifically mentioning Distant Suns, which provides information based on device orientation.
  • Several participants recommend online planetarium resources, including a specific website (http://neave.com/planetarium/) and the software Stellarium for PC users.
  • One participant shares a personal experience with Distant Suns during an astrophysics class, noting its utility for observing galaxies.
  • There is a mention of the need for a smartphone to use certain apps effectively, with one participant expressing a desire to acquire one in the future.
  • Another participant confirms their preference for Stellarium as a useful tool for stargazing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of astronomy apps and online resources for identifying stars and constellations, but there is no consensus on a single best option, as multiple tools are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations based on their access to technology, such as not currently owning a smartphone, which may affect their ability to utilize certain recommended tools.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in stargazing, astronomy enthusiasts, and those seeking to learn more about the night sky from specific locations.

leroyjenkens
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I live in Florida, and I've been looking for a website that will tell me what the sky will look like over my location and what each star is, but I can't find it.
Anyone know if anything exists similar to what I'm describing? Thanks.
 
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Your best bet is to get an astronomy app for your smart phone or tablet if you have one. If not then this is a great reason to get one. The app I use is Distan Suns and its keyed to device orientation so that I look up at the sky and aim my phone in that direction and it will tell me about the constellations, stars and Messier objects that I should be able to see.

There are several good apps beside Distant Suns all of varying capability so check the reviews and wait for others at PF to reply.
 
There's plenty! This one is nice clear and simple:
http://neave.com/planetarium/
but you might find something more to your tastes just by googling something like 'night sky online' or 'planetarium online'. Give it a try.
 
jedishrfu said:
Your best bet is to get an astronomy app for your smart phone or tablet if you have one. If not then this is a great reason to get one. The app I use is Distan Suns and its keyed to device orientation so that I look up at the sky and aim my phone in that direction and it will tell me about the constellations, stars and Messier objects that I should be able to see.

There are several good apps beside Distant Suns all of varying capability so check the reviews and wait for others at PF to reply.
I remember one year when I was observing galaxies with my astrophysics class, a few of the students had that app. I was amazed. And yes, that would be extremely useful if I had a smartphone. I plan to get a smartphone eventually, but don't have the money right now for one.
There's plenty! This one is nice clear and simple:
http://neave.com/planetarium/
but you might find something more to your tastes just by googling something like 'night sky online' or 'planetarium online'. Give it a try.
That's a really good one. I'm going to try to use that. I live in the city and in order for me to use the program, I need to be near my computer so I can go in and out of my house to check to make sure I'm seeing what I want to be seeing.
Thanks.
 
yup Stellarium is my fav
 

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