What is stellar magnitude?
The brightest stars to the eye are 1st magnitude, and dimmest stars to the eye are 6th magnitude. How does stellar magnitude work in astronomy?| EarthSky | Updates on your cosmos and world
The brightest stars to the eye are 1st magnitude, and dimmest stars to the eye are 6th magnitude. How does stellar magnitude work in astronomy?| EarthSky | Updates on your cosmos and world
Use this “handy” guide to measure degrees – or sky measurements – on the dome of the sky. Image via timeanddate.com. Used with permission.How do you describe how far apart something is in the sky? The fact is, the handiest measuring stick for the sky’s dome is the one on the end of your arm. You can use the width of your pinky, fist and more to gauge the distance between sky objects. That comes in handy when you’re observing conjunctions between planets, or close planets and stars...| EarthSky
Our Editor-in-Chief Deborah Byrd works to keep all the astronomy balls in the air between EarthSky's website, YouTube page and social media platforms. She's the primary editor of our popular daily newsletter and a frequent host of EarthSky livestreams. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a ...| earthsky.org
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At superior conjunction, Venus or Mercury are behind the sun from Earth. At inferior conjunction, Venus or Mercury are between the Earth and sun. At greatest elongation, Venus or Mercury are most to one side of the sun. Around greatest elongation, these inner planets, Mercury and Venus, are at their greatest distances from the sun on our sky’s dome. Chart via EarthSky.What is an elongation?| EarthSky
return to reference| creativecommons.org
Argh! They’re at it again. Memes are circulating suggesting a planet alignment in early June 2025. True or not true? Night sky expert Deborah Byrd of EarthSky has the scoop – plus a REAL planet forecast for June – beginning at 12:15 p.m. CDT (17:15 UTC) on Monday, June 2. Join live, and we’ll answer your questions!| EarthSky
