What is the most noticeble change in night sky over last 5,000 years?

Question

(excluding objects belonging to solar system)

I mean if we transport some egyptian astronomer in time machine into XXI century, will he notice any difference?

People, we are talking about what changed outside solar system, let alone puny earth.

Answer 1

An Egyptian astronomer would probably notice pretty quickly that we have a different North Star. It's called the precession of the equinox, and it's a consequence of the fact that Earth's orbit is a little wobbly. You can find a good explanation of it here:
http://www.wwu.edu/depts/skywise/a101_precession.html

Answer 2

Last two answers are correct. The constellations would have changed little. The bright star Sirius has one of the fastest motions against the background of the sky, but in the last 2,000 years it's only moved slightly less than the width of the full moon.

Answer 3

There will be some changes in the locations of stars due to their proper motion, but the big change would be seeing different constellations due to the precession of the equinoxes.

Five thousand years ago it was possible to see constellations like Centaurus and Ara (hence the classical names and mythology) from the Mediterranean area. It isn't now.

At that time the closest they had to a north star was Thuban, Alpha Draconis. That's not *our* north star.

Answer 4

Light and air pollution. Venus was actually visible during the daytime in the middle ages due to better visibility.

Answer 5

You will never know, scientists predict, but they just make you worry. Unless your going to live in 5,000 years, I wouldnt worry or wonder.

Answer 6

You can see fewer stars because of light pollution.

Answer 7

you'll have to find someone who is five thousand years old to answer that question truthfully and knowingly

Answer 8

the stars

Answer 9

Airplanes are everywhere.