Can two people looking at the night sky on different coasts see the same stars?

Question

I live in the California Bay Area and have a friend who lives in West Virginia. We were curious to know when we were on the phone earlier if we were looking at the same stars.

Answer 1

You're looking at the same stars. Most likely in different positions in the sky, but yeah, you're looking at the same ones. :)

To test that out, try finding a certain set of stars, or a really bright one that stands out, and see if your friend sees it too. Then try comparing what's around that star and see if it's the same. That'll tell ya. :p

Answer 2

Yes you will see some of the same stars at the same time. But remember that the sky rotates above us at approx 15 degrees per hr. You are three hrs behind the east coast. That would mean if you look half way between the east horizon and straight up you would see the same stars the east coast can see looking straight up at the same time. Of coarse you will have to wait until it is dark on the west coast. Try getting a star chart and each of you can identify stars and know for sure that you are seeing the same ones.

Answer 3

Yes, but the guy on the East coast will see stars in the east rise first. The guy on the West coast will see stars that have set over the west horizon for the East coast guy.

But in general, you will see the same stars, but about quarter sky apart. Stars overhead for the East Coast guy will only be halfway up the sky for the West coast guy.

I live in New Zealand and the night comes to us before anyone else.

Answer 4

You can see many of the same stars. Being in the Northern Hemisphere you can both see the Big Dipper most of the time. Since you are at similar lattitudes you will only be unable to see the stars in the most Eastern part of her sky and she will not be able to see those in the most Western part of yours. But you share a large part of the sky. (also the stars that she can see and you cannot... you will be able to see a little later).

Have fun gazing :)

Answer 5

For stars, I have no idea. Anyway if for planet, we cannot.
I experienced this. I am not sure whether it was Mars or not. Once a time, my eldest brother from Australia send me a message to ask me to look up at the night sky in order to see the Mars in red. He showed me the direction but I couldnt see any Mars on the sky in my nation. This mean people on different coasts cannot see the planet as we seen.

Answer 6

if you look simultaneously, you (west coast) will be seeing most of same stars.
it is kind of like the sunset though, your friend gets it earlier.
check out a planetarium or just watch the stars for three hours (notice the movement) that should give you a good idea
of how that works.

Answer 7

attempt the posthardcore type. They scream yet also ought to sing alot. some bands are an afternoon to keep in concepts drowsing with sirens attack attack! bite no captain bite damage the runner Jamies elsewhere scary toddlers scaring toddlers Ten after 2 we are defiance......and it keeps or in basic terms get some old rock Led zeppelin purple Floyd The beastles The who Jimi hendrix queen or perhaps punk Gallows Black flag Nirvana the ramones The sex pistols

Answer 8

between california and west virginia id say yes... it only really matters if your on the north or the south hemispheres. if your south, you see a completely different array of stars

Answer 9

How about this, i can appreciate the fact that you want to know, but in the end it doesnt really matter, does it? Just pretend you are looking at the same stars and pretend you are together too. i know, pick one out and name it after your friend. I bet she would love that! In fact, i'm sure of it! Cats know about these things.

Answer 10

For the most part yes. There is slight differences but not so much so that you would even notice.