In the South East of England, there is a very bright light in the sky at night at the moment. I am not sure what way it is facing, but I don't think it is the North Star. It is stationary and is there night after night and is quite big to the naked eye, considering the size of nearby stars.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Emma
2007-04-16 05:00:12 · 18 answers · asked by shnixangel 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
At night, not during the day so it isn't the Sun as someone has suggested!
2007-04-16 05:28:58 · update #1
that's the sun
2007-04-16 05:03:10 · answer #1 · answered by mrsunshine56987 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Venus right now is high in the Western sky after sunset and is visible from just about anywhere on Earth . Depending on your latitude it can be up for many hours (even up to midnight) after sunset. Venus is currently near it's maximum brightness and is even visible during the day if you know right where to look.
It is probably not stationary as it is moving down towards the Western horizon as fast as the sun moves through the sky. Note it's location tonight, and then go look again in an hour. It will have moved.
The North star is not particularly bright and no where near as bright as Venus. It does stay almost (making about a 1 degree circle in the sky) stationary in the sky all year long. Look due North and then look up your latitude in degrees and there it is!
2007-04-16 14:32:34 · answer #2 · answered by taotemu 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its probably not the North Star since it is quite difficult to see unless you know where to look.
It is probably either the planet Venus - if it is a steady bright light, or Sirius (the dog star) if it shimmers in different colours. Both appear fairly low in the sky.
Another possibility if it is relatively high in the sky - take note of its position, then have another look half an hour later. If it has visibly changed its position in the sky it could be the International Space Station.
2007-04-17 07:40:04 · answer #3 · answered by Spacephantom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Facing West (seen after sunset in the direction of the sun) it will be Venus (aka - Lucifer or the Evening Star)
Facing South'ish - Sirius (the Dog Star)
South East (between 3-6am) Jupiter
2007-04-16 12:16:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be Venus. I've heard that at this time, Venus can be seen and it is stationary and very bright. I'm not sure the exact position but its out there.
2007-04-16 12:08:16 · answer #5 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you want to be sure that it is a planet, they are the first objects that appear to shine in the twilight hours both dawn and dusk, they appear before the stars, A very good guide to observation can be found an the back of the Sunday times every week. Emiss
2007-04-16 14:30:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Venus in the far southwest, Sirius in the southsouthwest, Spica in the southeast, Arcturus in the west northwest, and Mizar in the north, toped off by Saturn which is almost straight overhead.
2007-04-16 12:24:55 · answer #7 · answered by hilltopobservatory 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the sun in night mode and energy saving mode, this has been introduced by the government to help the greenhouse effect and save the planet. this is a very costly procedure so tax will increase by 55p in the pound
2007-04-17 17:42:35 · answer #8 · answered by jabus 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's in the west and near sunset, you're looking at the planet Venus.
2007-04-16 12:07:32 · answer #9 · answered by eri 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely Venus. Lovely, isn't it?
2007-04-17 16:31:20 · answer #10 · answered by Hello Dave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How many people have not seen Venus before?
2007-04-17 06:59:27 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋