reply to post by ProudBird
I third this, or any variation of it.
Download a real-time sky view simulator or visit one online.
I like this one:
www.fourmilab.ch...
Be sure to set coordinates for your personal location on the planet for proper viewing.
If something freaks you out because you don't know anything about it, you can fix that quite easily by applying yourself to learning why something
does what it does, or appears the way it does.
When it comes to looking at the sky, you may also want to take into account things like atmospheric lensing where the moon and other objects may
appear bigger, smaller, brighter or some other variation. Atmospheric conditions play a big part in ground viewing objects that are millions of miles
or more away from you.
There are also a number of satellites, and even the space station that you can sometimes see if you take the time to watch the right parts of the sky
at the right times.
Familiarize yourself with the different annual meteor showers, the difference between a meteor, meteorite, and bollide, the planets, what an iridium
flare is, what constellations are, where they are the times of night they can best be seen.
Approach the unfamiliar with science and you'll be fine.
FYI:, I watch the sky every night, and I've yet to notice anything out of order in all the time I've watch the sky ever. Not once has the sky done
something it shouldn't have.
Here in Houston the moon looks fine, just as it did last night and the night before and all those before it, every time I've checked and watched. The
moon is beginning to settle down in the west, and should set in a few hours. Jupiter is directly over head as I type this, and Jupiter looks quite
fine too.
Nothing to worry about.
edit on 8-10-2011 by nineix because: (no reason given)
