Determine the least value of declination of stars so that stars can be seen?

In summary, the conversation discusses the requirements for stars to be observed in a particular location and how the declination of stars affects their visibility. The declination and right ascension of stars are fixed celestial coordinates and do not change in a matter of days, although they may change in the long term due to proper motions and the precession of the equinoxes.
  • #1
nicolauslamsiu
16
0
For stars to be observed in a certain place, the stars must be at a position above the horizon. Yet, how to determine the least value of declination of stars so that stars can be seen?
 
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  • #2
Imagine that you are observing from a point on the equator. All stars are visible at some time of the year, having any declination from +90º to -90º. Now, imagine you move your observatory 20º to the North. The South celestial pole will also dip by 20º below your horizon, and with it, all the stars having a declination more negative than -70º... If you continue moving your observatory to the North, you will reach the North pole, from which any star with a negative declination is permanently below the horizon, and can't be observed.

I believe that this description is better than a formula...
 
  • #3
ok...get it...one more question:
the declination and R.A. of a star on a certain day is given.
is it possible to find the declination and right ascension of a star some days after?
 
  • #4
Both declination and right ascension are fixed celestial coordinates, and they don't change in days... In the long term, they do, because of proper motions and the precession of the equinoxes, but -for normal use- they can be considered as fixed.
 
  • #5


The declination of a star is its angular distance from the celestial equator. In order for stars to be visible, they must be above the horizon, which means their declination must be greater than the observer's latitude. Therefore, the least value of declination for stars to be seen will depend on the latitude of the observer.

For example, at the equator (0 degrees latitude), stars with a declination of 0 degrees or greater will be visible. However, at a latitude of 45 degrees, stars with a declination of -45 degrees or greater will be visible.

Additionally, the time of year and the time of night also play a role in determining the least value of declination for stars to be seen. For example, stars with a declination close to the celestial equator will be visible for longer periods of time during the year, while stars with a higher or lower declination may only be visible for a short period of time during certain seasons.

Therefore, to determine the least value of declination for stars to be seen, one must take into account the observer's latitude, the time of year, and the time of night. This can be done by using a star chart or a planetarium software that takes into account these variables.
 

Related to Determine the least value of declination of stars so that stars can be seen?

1. What is declination in astronomy?

Declination is the measure of how far a celestial object is from the celestial equator, measured in degrees. It is one of the two coordinates used to locate objects in the sky, the other being right ascension.

2. Why is declination important in determining the visibility of stars?

Declination is important because it helps determine the altitude of a star in the sky from a particular location. The higher the declination, the higher the star will appear in the sky, making it easier to see.

3. How is declination related to latitude?

Declination and latitude are closely related, as they both measure the distance of an object from the celestial equator. In fact, the latitude of a location is equal to the declination of objects directly overhead at that location.

4. What is the minimum declination of stars that can be seen with the naked eye?

The minimum declination of stars that can be seen with the naked eye depends on the location and time of year. For example, at the equator, stars with a declination of +90 degrees (directly overhead) to -90 degrees (on the horizon) can be seen throughout the year. However, at higher latitudes, the minimum declination will vary depending on the season.

5. Is there a specific declination value that guarantees the visibility of stars?

No, there is no specific declination value that guarantees the visibility of stars. Other factors such as weather, light pollution, and atmospheric conditions can also affect the visibility of stars. However, generally, stars with a declination of +90 degrees to -20 degrees can be seen in most locations throughout the year.

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